promoearn: Congress, the court and a 'cold shot'

Monday, October 5

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The Daily Briefing

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Happy Monday! It's Oct. 5, and over the weekend: The U.S. removed B-1 bombers from U.K. base amid security concerns. Christa Pike's attorney shared an update on her condition after her botched execution. And "Digger" was a box-office flop.

I’m Mallorie Sullivan, and I've recently started reading for fun again, so this list of banned books is definitely coming with me on my next trip to the bookstore. Here's what's going on this week:

🏛️ Supreme Court is back in session

After a busy summer break, the Supreme Court returns to the bench today and is diving straight into one of the biggest it will consider this term: a landmark climate change case . Over the next few months, justices are also expected to weigh in on issues ranging from religion and gun rights to key Trump administration policies. Here's a look at what's ahead.

•	One justice not participating in the climate change case? Samuel Alito.
•	Also: Trump said he regrets nominating the justices he tapped his first term.

⏰ T-minus 29 days until midterms

The battle for Congress is entering its final stretch. Trump continues his red-state blitz today as Republicans work to maintain their edge in Washington, while new polling shows Democratic Senate candidates leading or in a dead-heat in five traditionally Republican states. As for the House, these races will decide who wins control in November.

•	By the numbers: See the latest odds for control of the House and Senate.
•	Don't want to wait until November to vote? See when early voting starts in your state.

🍂 The October forecast just dropped

And it's not looking good for lovers of fall weather — unless you live in the Great Lakes or Northeast, which will see a notable "cold shot" this week that can lead to frost and freeze potential. Otherwise, the weather is expected to be relatively above average for much of the U.S., especially for the western part of the country. See the forecast for your region here.

•	Meanwhile, a polar vortex is stronger than normal over the Arctic. Here's what that means for winter.

🎬 A mega merger is expected to close

Allow Paramount Skydance and Warner Bros. Discovery to reintroduce themselves. After announcing their intent to merge earlier this year and settling a multi-state lawsuit that argued the "media behemoth" would drive up prices, the two Hollywood giants are set to close their $110 billion merger Tuesday under the combined name Skydance. Here's what it means for you.

🏀 And around the world of sports ...

•	Monday Night Football: The Saints tonight are recognizing the 20th anniversary of their first game back at the Superdome after Hurricane Katrina.
•	WNBA semifinals: Game 1 began Sunday with wins for the Atlanta Dream and the Golden State Valkyries. Game 2 begins Wednesday.
•	MLB playoffs: The best-of-five Division Series that started Saturday continues this week. See the full bracket and schedule here.

Keep scrolling for more news. Here’s your crossword! I’ll see you tomorrow 👋

Have feedback for me? Shoot me a message at msullivan@usatoday.com, I'd love to hear from you! Was this email forwarded to you? Sign up here to get it in your inbox daily.

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