It’s Friday. With autumn kicking off officially on Monday, it’s about time to embrace everything pumpkin spice. 🍂
In today’s edition:
The House clears a funding bill, once more challenging Senate Democrats.
Late-night hosts respond to satirical tensions.
• White House media scrutiny intensifies.
• GOP heavyweights expected at Kirk’s funeral.
🥔 Capitol Hill
Hot potatoes, hot potatoes:
The House just passed a proposal to extend government funding, which shifts the threat of a shutdown to November 21st. They are now headed out for a 12-day Rosh Hashana break, leaving the next steps up to the Senate.
Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) told the press, “The ball is in [Senate Democratic Leader] Chuck Schumer’s court. I hope he does the right thing. I hope he doesn’t choose to shut down the government.”
The House voted 217-212, primarily along party lines.
Meanwhile, the Senate is expected to vote this afternoon, but experts predict it will fail.
This is turning into quite the game of chicken. House GOP leaders have informed members they could leave until October 1, just after the funding deadline, putting pressure on the Senate to accept the bill.
But it’s not as straightforward as it seems. Democrats are opposed to what they view as Republican tactics. Additionally, Senate Republicans lack the votes to maintain government funding without some Democratic support.
The dynamics here are tricky. Democrats in the Senate know they wield significant influence, whereas their counterparts in the House are outmatched. Despite their majority, the Senate imposes a 60-vote threshold, meaning some collaboration is needed.
Then there’s the question of why Democrats oppose this relatively uncomplicated funding extension. They are looking to expand healthcare subsidies scheduled to expire at the year’s end, and—let’s be real—they’re a bit wary of Republican intentions ever since Trump previously interrupted funding that had already been approved.
Schumer finds himself under immense pressure. He faced backlash from Democrats last time he facilitated a government shutdown, and it seems he’s reluctant to invite that kind of heat again.
The Senate is also set to leave for a break today, with no solid plans to keep the government operating.
📺 Kimmel Fallout
Late-night hosts weigh in:
The backlash surrounding Jimmy Kimmel’s indefinite suspension is picking up steam.
John Stewart returned to his “Daily Show” chair, donning a bright red tie and an American flag pin, and shared his take on the situation.
Seth Meyers also took a jab at Trump, referring to him as a “visionary, an innovator, a great president, and an even better golfer.”
Meanwhile, Stephen Colbert and Jimmy Fallon approached the subject more soberly. Colbert even declared, “Tonight we’re all Jimmy Kimmel,” suggesting the resistance to the ABC network’s pressures. Fallon confirmed he wouldn’t be silenced.
Amidst all this, Chairman of the FCC Brendan Carr has suggested it would be worthwhile to investigate the ABC show following the criticisms from the Trump administration.
Trump, commenting earlier, emphasized the sense of unfair media treatment against him and even insinuated that licenses for critical networks should be reconsidered.
📱 Other news
Why TikTok users are celebrating:
President Trump recently announced that Chinese President Xi Jinping has approved an agreement allowing TikTok to keep operating in the US.
He posted on social media, sharing the progress made across several vital issues, including the TikTok situation. There aren’t many details yet on the specifics of the deal.
What we do know is that negotiations have been ongoing to ensure the American arm of the app operates independently, potentially involving new US investors.
Kamala Harris’s upcoming book reveals surprising insights:
Katie Rogers of the New York Times reports that the former Vice President will share candid details about the 2024 election. In an intriguing tidbit, she recalls a phone call from Biden just before her debate, suggesting some internal party anxieties about her performance and support.
⛪ Charlie Kirk’s funeral this weekend:
Conservative activist Charlie Kirk will be honored with services on Sunday at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.
Notable individuals, including President Trump and Vice President Vance, are expected to speak.
The event will have heightened security measures, with expectations set high given possible threats.
It’s a busy day in Washington:
The House and Senate are both in session today—uncommon for a Friday. President Trump is in attendance.
3 PM: Trump will sign executive orders in the Oval Office.
Sunday at 2 PM: Charlie Kirk’s funeral will take place.
September 30: The government will be closed if no funding agreement is reached.
🐝 Internet topics
Today marks National Butterscotch Pudding Day, a reminder that culinary creativity is always a reason to celebrate.
👋 And finally…
Before you head into the weekend, did you catch that viral video of someone playing horse hopscotch? It’s a delightful time to reminisce about childhood games.
