Keeping up with America

Supreme Court allows the administration to freeze $4B+ in foreign aid
A late-day order lifted a lower-court injunction and effectively lets billions in congressionally approved funds go unspent before they expire Sept. 30—escalating a fight over who controls federal dollars.

Memphis security push: more federal agents next week, National Guard support limited
Tennessee will surge federal, state and local personnel to stabilize hot spots; most Guard troops are unarmed and focused on support roles.

House China panel vows a full oversight hearing on the TikTok sale
Chair John Moolenaar says the U.S. TikTok must be walled off from ByteDance’s algorithm and operations—expect a hot hearing and possible new conditions.

Sources: ByteDance still poised to keep a big role in the “new” U.S. TikTok
A joint-venture structure could leave ByteDance as a major minority owner and in charge of ad and commerce—fuel for scrutiny that the split isn’t clean enough.

SEC union to staff: don’t panic about shutdown layoffs
As agencies dust off contingency plans, the SEC’s union urged calm, saying there’s no sign a lapse in funding would trigger another round of cuts.

Around the World

Netanyahu’s UN broadside slams Western recognitions of a Palestinian state; walkouts follow
Israel’s leader doubled down on Gaza strategy and warned Iran, prompting protests and delegate walkouts.

China’s central bank flags more support to steady growth
The PBOC promised flexible easing and ample liquidity as trade frictions rise—another sign Beijing will nurse the recovery without a mega-stimulus.

Russia expands list of banned UK figures
Moscow barred more British lawmakers and analysts amid sanctions tit-for-tat as the war grinds on.

Lets Talk Business and Tech

U.S. consumer spending stayed strong in August; core PCE held at 2.9%
Households kept spending on services and essentials even as inflation inched up—keeping a soft-landing narrative alive.

PCE inflation landed right on expectations
A 0.3% monthly rise (2.7% y/y) won’t force the Fed’s hand—but it won’t speed cuts either.

BMO lifts S&P 500 goal to 7,000
Strategists leaned into an AI-fueled cycle and mid-’90s-style vibes—upping the full-year index call.

Dollar firms for a second week; gold edges higher after data
Traders priced steady inflation and resilient growth—nudging the greenback up while bullion found a bid.

Richer, Wiser, Happier

What to do if a government shutdown freezes your paycheck
Build a bare-bones budget, call creditors before you miss payments, and know which bills to prioritize.

CDC widens alert on Listeria tied to prepared meals
More illnesses and products—check your fridge/freezer for recalled items and follow CDC cleaning steps.

Radioactive spices? Here’s what to know (and when to test)
Calm guidance on risk, screening, and when home test kits are useful.

How often should you clean your gutters?
Twice a year is a baseline—more if trees crowd your roof. Prevention beats repair.

Sports and Showbiz Shenanigans

Red Sox clinch first playoff berth since 2021 with walk-off vs. Tigers
Ceddanne Rafaela’s ninth-inning rocket sent Boston back to October; multiple races tightened.

Ryder Cup Day 1: Europe jumps ahead in morning foursomes
The U.S. stumbled at Bethpage Black—afternoon four-balls and weekend singles now carry extra weight.

Kimmel blackout ends: Nexstar & Sinclair bring ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’ back
Affiliates reversed course and restored the ABC late-night show—another twist in a media-politics storm.

Virginia shocks No. 8 Florida State in 2OT
First home win over a Top-10 team since 2005; a program moment with instant field rush.

Houston stuns Oregon State in overtime
Cougars erase a late deficit and win it with an OT field goal—wild swings and clutch special teams.

Arizona State rallies from 17 down to upset No. 24 TCU
A late 23-yard kick caps a comeback that reshapes the Big 12 picture.

Reds jump the Mets for the NL’s last wild card
Two doubles from Gavin Lux fuel a 3–1 win in Milwaukee; the NL race tightens.

Blue Jays stay atop the AL East with a 4–2 win over the Rays
Nathan Lukes homers and drives in three—Toronto holds serve in a photo-finish division.

Ryder Cup: Saturday morning pairings are set
Bradley sticks mostly with his guys; Europe stands pat—see who’s matched up at Bethpage.

Marc-André Fleury takes a final bow with the Penguins
A preseason cameo for the NHL’s No. 2 all-time wins leader—emotional and classy.

NY Film Festival opens with Julia Roberts & Andrew Garfield in “After the Hunt”
Starry kickoff + buzzy reviews put the film on awards radars.

Project Runway crowns its first transgender winner
Veejay Floresca’s finale dress and win rewrite franchise history.

iHeartRadio Jingle Ball lineup drops: Ed Sheeran, Reneé Rapp, Jelly Roll & more
Pop’s holiday gauntlet gets its coast-to-coast bill.

Lily James & Pierce Brosnan “Cliffhanger” reboot lands U.S. distribution
Row K Entertainment picks up the action reboot—release window next.

Colin Jost & Marcello Hernandez to host Ryder Cup ‘Breakfast’ alt-cast
SNL meets tee time: comedy plus golf nerdery for early-birds.

Pete Davidson riffs on fame cycles and the internet “turn”
A candid pod riff on who’s hot, who’s next, and why the web turns.

 Life Hacks to Hack Your Life

What to do if a shutdown freezes your paycheck
Prioritize rent/food/utilities, call creditors before you miss a payment, and ask your bank about hardship options—protect your credit.

Do I really need to clean my gutters more than once a year?
Yes—tree cover and local weather decide the schedule; skimping now can mean costly leaks later.

Listeria found in Walmart & Kroger prepared meals—check your fridge/freezer
Which brands/batches are affected and what to toss, in one read.

CDC: Listeria outbreak linked to prepared meals—full list and updates
Bookmark the official tracker for symptoms, recalled items, and cleaning steps.

Park these recalled BMWs outside—fire risk alert
Quick VIN check, free fix—don’t risk a garage fire.

Nearly 1.4 million Oster countertop ovens recalled for burn hazard
See the exact model numbers and what to do next.

How to spot, avoid, and report tech-support scams
Pop-up? Random “Geek Squad” renewal? Don’t call—use verified numbers and report at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

Asking Eric: You resold a neighbor’s car—now they’re mad. What’s the script?
A friendly, boundary-keeping way to smooth things over without relitigating the sale.

Miss Manners: Is that classroom wish list a gift grab?
Polite lines that set expectations—minus the drama.

Indian pantry, better cocktails—weekend upgrade
Chaat masala rims, fenugreek bitters, ginger-lime balance—flavor bombs with what’s already in your kitchen.