Here is your latest wire for publication:
1. GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN — DAY 6, NO DEAL IN SIGHT
The partial federal shutdown is now in its sixth day. The Senate is scheduled to vote for a 5th time today on a stopgap funding bill, but still lacks 60 votes to advance.
What it means right now:
Inflation data delayed: October inflation report pushed to Oct. 24, hindering markets and policymakers
Federal workforce: Judge temporarily blocked the Trump administration from firing federal employees during shutdown, but White House OMB says it's preparing to "batten down the hatches and ride out" shutdown while continuing layoffs
Aviation impact: FAA forcing airlines to cut 4% of domestic flights at 40 major airports — including Atlanta, Dallas/Fort Worth, Denver, Chicago O'Hare — could ramp to 10% if shutdown continues. 13,000+ controllers and TSA working without pay.
2. SENATE CONFIRMS TODD BLANCHE AS US ATTORNEY GENERAL — 50-49
In an overnight 50-49 vote, the Senate confirmed Todd Blanche, President Trump's former personal lawyer, as Attorney General. Blanche had served as acting AG since April after previously serving as deputy AG.
This is the second confirmed AG since Trump returned to White House, with Democrats accusing the administration of politicizing DOJ. Confirmation battle centered on executive independence and Blanche's handling of Jeffrey Epstein-related documents.
3. SUPREME COURT CLIMATE CASE
Opening arguments begin today in major climate lawsuit at US Supreme Court against Big Oil — ExxonMobil and Suncor Energy. Case originates from Boulder, Colorado lawsuit accusing companies of state law violations, allowed to proceed by Colorado Supreme Court.
4. SENATE SHOWDOWN OVER QATAR BASE
Democratic Sen. Chris Murphy says Pentagon denied him access to Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar during Middle East visit, calling it an effort to conceal impact of Iran war. Al Udeid is largest US base in region and has repeatedly been attacked by Iran during war launched by US and Israel in February.
5. TRUMP FLIPS ON MAIL-IN VOTING
President Trump encouraged supporters Saturday and again Monday to vote by mail if they wanted — major shift in tone after years describing mail voting as rife with fraud.
6. ACLU: IMMIGRATION POLICY "BREAKING AMERICAN DEMOCRACY"
New ACLU report says Trump immigration policy is breaking American democracy. Report drops as nation gears up for 2026 midterms that will decide control of Congress for rest of Trump's final term.
7. OTHER CAPITOL HILL WATCHES
Daylight Saving Time bill in jeopardy: Senate puts fate of Daylight Saving Time bill in jeopardy
S&P 500 less than 1% away from record high heading into open Tuesday
Minimum wage wave: States set to trigger fresh minimum wage hikes with pay floors more than double federal rate
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