Keeping up with America

Democrats press Trump to personally join shutdown talks 
With the government closure in week two, Hill leaders say only direct White House involvement can break the standoff.

Exclusive: DHS to issue ‘supercheck’ paying 70,000+ federal officers during shutdown
CBP, ICE, Secret Service and TSA personnel are set to receive an accelerated lump-sum paycheck despite the shutdown.

White House strikes deal to slash price of a key IVF drug 
EMD Serono will cut costs on a common fertility medication as the administration promotes expanded coverage guidance.

US budget deficit narrows to $1.775T in FY2025 
Treasury cites tariff revenue and spending trims in some categories even as healthcare and interest costs rise.

Senate fails again to pass short-term funding — shutdown trudges on
A 10th failed vote leaves Washington gridlocked and the closure likely to extend into next week.

US ‘on a trajectory’ toward authoritarian rule, ex‑officials warn 
A network of former intelligence and security veterans issues a stark assessment of democratic backsliding.

Around the World

Israel and Hamas trade blame over ceasefire breaches as returns of remains stall 
Accusations mount amid delays at Rafah and disputes over terms of the truce implementation.

UN condemns Madagascar military takeover; new leader to be sworn in 
Following the president’s flight from the capital, the UN blasts the power grab and urges a return to civilian rule.

Dozens of Koreans accused in Cambodia online scams to be repatriated 
Authorities plan a charter flight to return suspects as regional law enforcement cooperates on cybercrime.

Top photos: A planet in pictures on Oct. 16
From Gaza to Mexico floods, AP’s editors compile the day’s most powerful images.

Victoria’s Secret returns to the runway in NYC — every look
Full gallery from the show’s glossy comeback, with 50+ runway shots.

Lets Talk Business and Tech

Wall Street slips as bank jitters resurface; AI giants still buoy the year
A late wobble caps a record‑setting run even as mega‑cap tech props up indexes in 2025.

Fed’s Miran: asset froth isn’t the target — inflation and jobs are
The new governor argues for steeper cuts, pointing to softer housing and slower population growth.

Mortgage rates dip to ~6.27% — edging toward 2025 lows
Refi math improves at the margins as average 30‑year fixed ticks down.

Homebuilder sentiment climbs to a 6‑month high
Builders cite hopes for lower rates but keep using incentives as buyers remain cautious.

F5 breach raises alarms across thousands of networks
Security pros warn of cascading risks after the networking giant disclosed a long‑term intrusion.

Squarespace’s new Blueprint AI: I built a site in minutes
Hands‑on test shows how AI scaffolds layouts fast — with caveats on customization.

Richer, Wiser, Happier

Today’s mortgage snapshot (Oct. 16): 30‑yr ~6.31%
If you’re above 6.75%, price three quotes today and ask for a float‑down; run a break‑even with closing costs.

CDs today (Oct. 16): top APYs up to ~4.75%
Short rungs (6/12/18 months) keep liquidity if the Fed cuts again later this month.

Savings checkup: national average vs. high‑yield leaders
Don’t chase teaser APYs without checking minimums and ACH hold times for withdrawals.

Budget deficit math you’ll feel in markets
Tariff revenue helped narrow the gap, but healthcare and interest costs keep pressure on future rates.

IVF drug price cut: what it could mean for employer coverage
New guidance aims to nudge companies toward offering fertility benefits — expect plan changes during open enrollment.

Sports and Showbiz Shenanigans

Dodgers push NLCS to 3‑0 with 3‑1 win over Brewers
Glasnow deals, Edman delivers late — LA on the brink of another pennant.

Flacco (40) outduels Rodgers (41) as Bengals stun Steelers 33‑31
A 36‑yard McPherson FG with :07 left caps a wild AFC North finish.

Matthews wins it in OT as Leafs edge Rangers 2‑1
Toronto’s star settles it 58 seconds into overtime at Scotiabank Arena.

Kiss legend Ace Frehley dies at 74 — bandmates react
Tributes pour in as the founding guitarist is honored posthumously.

Ryan Murphy says ‘All’s Fair’ was built around Kim Kardashian
The producer explains how the Hulu series shaped itself to its breakout star.

 Life Hacks to Hack Your Life

How to use satellite messaging on a Garmin Fenix 8 Pro
Step-by-step setup, message tips, and when to point your wrist skyward.

10 ways to master Diane Keaton’s timeless style
Layering rules, turtlenecks, and sharp tailoring you can copy today.

Mortgage & refi moves to consider today (Oct. 16)
Lock vs. float-down decisions and how to compare lender fees smartly.

Today’s best CD plays (Oct. 16)
Short ladder ideas to keep cash flexible while rates are still elevated.

Protect your network after the F5 breach
Patch guidance and why segmentation matters if you run BIG‑IP gear.

Squeeze more from high‑yield savings
Mind the minimums, transfer holds, and intro rates before switching.

Photo inspo: AP’s top shots of the day
Creativity boost: composition ideas straight from today’s best news photos.

World briefing you can skim in 60 seconds
Use this visual roundup to keep context without doom‑scrolling.

Hone your website fast with AI scaffolding
Blueprint can draft layouts in minutes; here’s what to tweak by hand.

Stay on top of NYC’s mayoral race in one read
Key takeaways format makes you an instant ‘I read it’ person in any convo.

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