Keeping up with America

White House threatens no guaranteed back pay for furloughed workers
A sharp break from past practice: a memo signaled furloughed staff might not automatically get back pay—upping pressure on Congress as week two begins.

Who’s working—and who’s furloughed—during the shutdown
Defense civilians, NASA scientists, SEC staff—here’s the agency-by-agency picture of what’s running on fumes and what’s still fully staffed.

Trump says programs and jobs will be cut if the shutdown drags on
The President warned of broader reductions while hinting a deal is possible—if his priorities are met.

Supreme Court signals skepticism of Colorado’s therapy-ban law
An early term clash with big First Amendment stakes—and ripple effects for state health regulations.

What is the Insurrection Act—and why is it in the headlines again?
A plain-English explainer on the 1807 law, when it’s been used, and the legal guardrails around domestic troop deployments.

Shutdown talks: quiet feelers out, hard lines remain
Both sides inch toward talking but not toward agreement; health-care subsidies are still the main tripwire.

Around the World

Putin claims 5,000 km² seized this year; Ukraine disputes it
Moscow touts gains on the war’s third year; Kyiv calls it spin as localized offensives shift back and forth.

Ukraine moves to boost gas imports 30% after strikes
Energy security meets winter reality after hits to infrastructure.

Israel marks two years since Oct. 7; talks in Egypt gain traction
Somber ceremonies alongside delicate negotiations over hostages and a potential cease-fire.

Trump says he’s “optimistic” on a Gaza deal
The White House touts progress as envoys shuttle between Cairo and regional capitals.

Power restored in parts of Russian-held Zaporizhzhia
A fragile patch in a grid battered by strikes.

Lets Talk Business and Tech

Crypto ETFs pull in a record $5.95B as bitcoin hits fresh highs
Institutional money keeps pouring in, even as regulators eye risk.

Wall Street wobbles after record run; gold nears $4,000
Shutdown fog + geopolitics = cautious trading and haven hunting.

California bans “loud” streaming ads
A modern CALM Act for the streaming era—ad tech teams, take note.

AMD–OpenAI deal math: paying with AMD stock
Analysts unpack the unusual financing plan behind a mega chip order.

OpenAI bans suspected China-linked accounts over surveillance queries
The latest flashpoint at the intersection of AI and national security.

Eurozone weighs how to grow euro-stablecoins
Brussels debates rules to avoid ceding the token market to dollar-coins.

Richer, Wiser, Happier

Yesterday’s mortgage rates (Oct. 7): 30-year ~6.44%
If you’re at 7%+, run a refi break-even: compare three same-day quotes, ask about a float-down option, and factor closing costs vs. your time in the home.

CD rates yesterday (Oct. 7): leaders ~4.25%–4.75% APY
Consider a short ladder (6–12–18 months) so cash frees up quarterly; keep emergency funds liquid.

High-yield savings snapshot (Oct. 7)
Account hopping? Watch for intro teasers, minimums, and ACH holds that delay access.

Prime Big Deal Days: where the real bargains are
CR’s updated guide flags categories that actually drop in price this week (and the ones that can wait).

Home Depot & Lowe’s: best buys right now
If you’re upgrading tools or appliances, check these picks before impulse-buying a random “Lightning Deal.”

Sports and Showbiz Shenanigans

Yankees survive behind Judge’s 3-run blast
Down five to Toronto, New York roared back to keep the ALDS alive—Bronx heart rate restored.

Mariners mash 3 homers, shove Tigers to the brink
Seattle’s power surge has Detroit in a must-win corner.

Fox lands 2026 World Baseball Classic TV rights
Seven marquee games on FOX, Spanish-language coverage on Fox Deportes.

Taylor Swift swats down Super Bowl halftime rumor
No, she didn’t “turn it down”—Bad Bunny headlines 2026.

Red carpet rewind: J.Lo & Affleck reunite in NYC
A star-packed night as awards-season teasers ramp up.

 Life Hacks to Hack Your Life

Prime Big Deal Days: what’s worth buying
CR’s updated list steers you to truly discounted categories.

Home Depot/Lowe’s: best current picks
DIY upgrade? Start here before scrolling endless “limited time” tags.

Smart-home upgrades, minus subscriptions
CR’s guide highlights doorbells and cams that don’t lock you into monthly fees.

Spring-cleaning playbook (updated for fall)
Yes, in October—fast wins to prep for hosting season.

Apple deals to target today
If you’ve waited on an iPad or Watch, today’s markdowns may beat Black Friday.

Walmart’s best anti-Prime Day steals
Competing sale, real savings—especially TVs and small appliances.

Under-$50 tech that’s actually good
Chargers, cams, and gadgets vetted by reviewers—stocking-stuffer season starts now.

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