This Morning’s Top Headlines – Oct. 7 | Morning News NOW

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Video Summary

The administration is considering using the rarely invoked Insurrection Act to deploy the military in cities, potentially overriding local officials. This act, last used in 1992, allows federal law enforcement under certain circumstances and is being seen by some as a tactic to create a pretext for military intervention. Legal challenges, like one from Illinois aiming to block troop deployment in Chicago, highlight the controversy, with governors deeming such intervention dangerous and unnecessary.

Amidst a government shutdown now in its seventh day, lawmakers remain at an impasse over a funding deal. The Senate has rejected two funding bills, one a GOP proposal to fund the government until November and another Democratic alternative extending funding to the end of October with healthcare provisions. Despite partisan finger-pointing, the President has indicated openness to negotiating with Democrats on healthcare. The shutdown is already impacting federal services, causing staffing issues at airports, potential delays in Social Security checks, and partial closures of national parks, with experts warning of escalating consequences the longer it continues.

The Supreme Court is set to hear arguments in a case concerning LGBTQ+ conversion therapy, questioning whether a ban on such practices for counselors violates free speech rights. This case, involving a Colorado counselor, could have implications for similar laws in over 20 states and broader discussions on regulated professions and speech. Separately, the Supreme Court rejected a challenge from a convicted individual, upholding a 20-year sentence. In South Carolina, an investigation is underway into a fire at a judge's oceanfront home, with officials stating there's no current evidence of arson, though some have expressed concerns about political violence. Meanwhile, weather forecasts indicate a shift from summer-like temperatures to cooler fall conditions in the Northeast, with rain expected to clear before the weekend.

Short Highlights

The administration is exploring the use of the Insurrection Act for military deployment in cities.
A government shutdown is ongoing with no funding deal in sight, impacting federal services.
The Supreme Court will hear a case on the legality of banning LGBTQ+ conversion therapy.
A fire at a judge's home in South Carolina is under investigation.
Weather in the Northeast is transitioning from warm summer-like conditions to cooler fall temperatures.

Key Details

The Insurrection Act and Military Intervention in Cities [0:05]

The Trump administration is considering using the Insurrection Act, a law passed in 1807, to deploy the military in cities.
The last time the Insurrection Act was used was during the 1992 Los Angeles riots.
The act allows the president to use the US military for civilian law enforcement in certain circumstances.
The administration's plans are largely targeting cities led by Democrats.
Illinois has filed a lawsuit hoping to block the administration from sending troops to Chicago.
Governor JB Pritzker stated that military intervention is dangerous and not needed, accusing the administration of inciting residents and creating a pretext for invoking the act.

This section highlights the administration's consideration of deploying military forces in domestic cities using the Insurrection Act, a move met with legal challenges and strong opposition from local officials who deem it unnecessary and potentially harmful. The strategy is perceived by some as an attempt to manufacture a crisis for intervention.

"Cause chaos, create fear and confusion. Why? To create the pretext for invoking the insurrection act so that he can send military troops to our city."

National Guard Deployment and Court Rulings [0:11]

President Trump is asserting there is a state of emergency due to crime in several cities, justifying the deployment of the National Guard.
The White House claims the National Guard is needed in Portland, Oregon, and Chicago to quell crime and protect federal officers, citing threats against ICE officers during an immigration crackdown.
Federal judges have blocked the White House from sending National Guard troops to Portland, Oregon, through court rulings.
The President has stated he would use the Insurrection Act if necessary, especially if courts or officials delay his plans or if people are being killed, emphasizing the need for safe cities.

This segment details the administration's rationale for deploying the National Guard, citing crime and threats to federal officers. It also notes the legal roadblocks encountered, with court rulings blocking deployments, leading the President to suggest the Insurrection Act as a potential next step.

"Well, I'd do it if it was necessary. So far, it hasn't been necessary, but we have an insurrection act for a reason. If I had to enact it, I'd do that."

Comparing Past and Present Deployments [0:30]

The Insurrection Act has not been used in over three decades.
A federal judge blocked the White House from sending National Guard troops to Portland, Oregon, over the weekend.
The 1992 Los Angeles riots, where the Insurrection Act was last used, were described as widespread.
In contrast, protests in Portland have been reportedly contained to one city block.
The governor of Oregon does not want the Insurrection Act invoked, unlike the California governor who requested it during the LA riots.

This part contrasts the current situation with past instances of federal intervention, emphasizing the limited scope of current unrest and the differing stances of state and federal authorities, particularly the lack of request from the governor of Oregon.

"Also, the governor of Oregon does not want the insurrection act. And in that instance in LA, the California governor did request it."

Government Shutdown Impasse [0:34]

The federal government shutdown is in its seventh day with no resolution on a funding deal.
The Senate rejected two funding bills on Monday: a GOP bill to fund the government until November and a Democratic alternative funding through the end of October with healthcare provisions.
President Trump has left the door open for negotiating with Democrats on healthcare, despite finger-pointing.

This section describes the ongoing government shutdown and the lack of progress in reaching a funding agreement, with the Senate rejecting proposals from both parties and the President hinting at potential negotiations.

"The Democrats are the ones that started this. And if you think about it, it's about healthcare to a large extent."

Senate Votes and House Stance [0:40]

Lawmakers are at an impasse regarding a funding deal for the government.
The Senate has repeatedly voted on measures that have not garnered the required 60 votes for passage.
The House has not returned to session, with Speaker Johnson keeping members home to pressure Senate Democrats.
Two bills are consistently being put on the floor: a Republican bill for a seven-week clean extension, and a Democratic bill for about a month with healthcare provisions.
Both bills are receiving the same vote totals, insufficient to reach the 60-vote threshold in the Senate.

This part details the procedural deadlock in Congress, with the Senate unable to pass funding bills and the House adopting a strategy of pressure by remaining out of session, emphasizing the lack of bipartisan consensus.

"We have one plea and one plea alone. We need a handful of Democrats to stop the madness, reopen the government so that we can get to these critical debates about the year-end policy decisions with regard to the the further reforms to healthcare."

Healthcare Negotiations and ACA Subsidies [0:43]

Democrats are seeking to attach healthcare provisions to a funding bill.
The President has indicated openness to fixing Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies that are expiring.
Republicans are reportedly against simply extending these subsidies but are willing to have conversations, possibly after the government reopens.

This section focuses on the healthcare aspect of the shutdown negotiations, particularly the expiring ACA subsidies, and the differing approaches of Republicans and Democrats towards addressing them.

"He told me over the weekend, Savannah and Joe, that he is open to fixing the Affordable Care Act subsidies that are expiring."

Impacts of the Government Shutdown [0:60]

Staffing issues have been experienced at airports due to the shutdown, affecting the FAA.
TSA workers are continuing to work without pay, leading to potential call-outs and other issues.
Air traffic control facilities are also facing challenges, with the Department of Transportation not hiring additional staff during the shutdown.
Food banks for mothers and young children may begin to run dry this week.
Social Security checks will still go out but could experience delays.
National parks and monuments are partially closed.
The Smithsonian may close its doors if the shutdown continues through the upcoming weekend.
A draft White House memo suggests that furloughed workers might not receive back pay, which is reportedly against the law.

This segment outlines the tangible consequences of the shutdown, ranging from disruptions at airports and potential shortages of essential services to the possible denial of back pay for furloughed workers, underscoring the broad impact on daily life and government functions.

"The longer that this goes on, there's no money left to pull. The government is shut down. So, you're going to see those uh delays at airports."

Attorney General Hearing and Political Pressure [0:76]

An oversight hearing is scheduled for the Attorney General before the Senate Judiciary Committee.
She is expected to face tough questions regarding the Justice Department and political pressure from the White House.
Republicans plan to raise reporting about a special counsel investigating January 6th and the President's actions, suggesting he probed some Republicans.
Democrats aim to question the Attorney General about perceived overreach and blurring lines between the Justice Department and the White House, particularly concerning the deployment of National Guard troops and federalizing law enforcement without gubernatorial or mayoral consent.
The key question from Democrats will be whether she is succumbing to White House political pressure or maintaining independence.

This part focuses on an upcoming hearing for the Attorney General, highlighting the contentious issues of potential political influence on the Justice Department, the investigation into January 6th, and the controversial deployment of federal forces in cities.

"The key question from Democrats is going to be whether she is bowing to political pressure from the White House or whether she really is maintaining independence."

Supreme Court and Conversion Therapy Case [0:90]

The Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in a case concerning LGBTQ+ conversion therapy.
Conversion therapy aims to encourage LGBTQ+ youth to identify as heterosexual and transgender youth to identify with their gender at birth, and is widely discredited by the medical community as harmful.
The justices will decide if a law banning conversion therapy between counselors and clients violates the First Amendment's free speech clause.
The case involves a licensed counselor in Colorado who engages in conversion therapy with gay, lesbian, and transgender minors.
The counselor argues that bans on conversion therapy infringe on her free speech rights.
The central legal question is whether the ban regulates professional conduct or free speech.
Appeals courts have had differing rulings on this issue, leading to its Supreme Court review.
The potential ruling could impact laws in over 20 states with similar conversion therapy bans.

This section introduces a significant Supreme Court case regarding conversion therapy, examining the clash between state bans on the practice and claims of free speech infringement by counselors. The outcome could have wide-reaching implications for laws across the country.

"The real question here is whether the ban just talks about professional conduct and regulates professional conduct or does indeed go towards free speech."

Implications of the Conversion Therapy Ruling [11:00]

The Supreme Court's ruling could affect other regulated professions where speech is a significant component, such as medicine and clergy.
Colorado's law is one of 20 similar laws across the country that could be challenged based on the Supreme Court's decision.
The court's conservative majority (6-3) might influence the outcome.
Past Supreme Court rulings have been criticized for chipping away at transgender individuals' rights.
A case last term blocked a Tennessee law banning puberty blockers and hormone therapy for gender dysphoria.
The court will also hear cases involving transgender Americans' rights to participate in sports.

This part delves into the broader implications of the conversion therapy case, considering its potential impact on other professions and its relation to the court's recent history on LGBTQ+ rights, particularly concerning transgender individuals.

"Think about the medical community, right? when you're a doctor talking to a client, thinking about uh in clergy, if you're if you're having a conversation uh that is perhaps confidential in in some sort of commun confidential setting there."

Supreme Court and Ghislaine Maxwell Appeal [12:12]

The Supreme Court rejected a challenge from Ghislaine Maxwell to her criminal conviction.
Maxwell was convicted of recruiting and grooming teenage girls for sexual abuse by Jeffrey Epstein.
The Supreme Court's decision upholds her 20-year criminal sentence.
The appeal questioned whether a non-prosecution agreement made by Epstein with a former US attorney should apply nationwide or only in the district where it was negotiated.
The Justice Department had asked the Supreme Court to reject Maxwell's appeal.

This segment reports on the Supreme Court's decision regarding Ghislaine Maxwell's appeal, confirming the upholding of her conviction and sentence, and clarifying the legal issue at the heart of her challenge.

"The decision means that Maxwell's 20-year criminal sentence remains in place."

Investigation into South Carolina Judge's Home Fire [12:57]

An investigation is underway into a fire that destroyed the oceanfront home of a longtime state judge in South Carolina.
Three people escaped the fire by jumping out of windows into the water, where they were rescued.
The house, located in Edisto Beach, went up in flames on a Saturday.
Fire officials stated that three people escaped through an elevated first-floor window.
The survivors had to be rescued by kayak and canoe from a gated community surrounded by marshland.
One survivor was airlifted to a Charleston hospital.
The home belongs to Circuit Court Judge Diane Goodstein and her husband, a former Democratic state senator.
Judge Goodstein was recently involved in a ruling that temporarily blocked South Carolina from turning over voter information to the Department of Justice.
State investigators have not yet determined the cause of the fire but released a statement indicating no current evidence of arson.
Senator Lindsey Graham expressed concerns about political violence if the fire was intentionally set.
The state law enforcement division took over the fire investigation at the homeowner's request.

This section covers the fire at a South Carolina judge's home, detailing the rescue of individuals, the investigation into the cause, and the background of the homeowner's recent high-profile legal ruling, alongside concerns about potential political motivations.

"At this time, there is no evidence to indicate the fire was intentionally set."

Northeast Weather Forecast [14:54]

The Northeast is expected to experience one last taste of summer before a change in weather.
Rain and thunderstorms are occurring in the Midwest and Ohio Valley, potentially causing delays in cities like Chicago and St. Louis.
A cold front is moving across the country, bringing a significant temperature drop to the Northeast.
The front is expected to bring rain to the Northeast overnight, leading to a messy commute on the I-95 corridor from DC to Boston on the following morning.
The rain could be heavy at times and will clear the region by the afternoon.
This rainfall is much needed, with amounts expected to range from half an inch to an inch across much of the Northeast, which has been dealing with drought conditions.
Temperatures in the Northeast will drop from the 80s to the 60s once the cold front passes, remaining in the 60s through the weekend.
This cooler weather will be more appropriate for the season, allowing for activities like apple and pumpkin picking.
Strong storms are possible in southwest New Mexico, while the plains will be cool.

This segment provides a weather forecast, detailing the arrival of rain and a cold front in the Northeast, signaling an end to warm weather and ushering in cooler temperatures suitable for autumn activities, while also noting current weather patterns in other regions.