In the News

Here is some stuff in the news today! (Your daily shutdown thread is here.)

A philanthropic billionaire couple pledged $10 million of their personal fortune in an effort to fund seven Head Start programs in six states that have closed as a result of the government shutdown. Wow.

[Content Note: Racism; police brutality] Jack Lamar Roberson, a black man from Georgia, was shot and killed by police after his fiancé called 911 requested medical assistance because Roberson overdosed on his diabetic meds. I don't even know what I can say that I haven't already said literally a dozen or more times before. "Shoot first and ask questions later" is reprehensibly irresponsible behavior from law enforcement. The officers are currently "on administrative leave."

[CN: Racism; Islamophobia] Republican Representative Michele Bachmann is the worst. This isn't politics. This is rank racism against the President of the United States.

Scientists at the National Ignition Facility in California "have passed a crucial milestone on the way to their ultimate goal of achieving self-sustaining nuclear fusion," which I guess is awesome if you are not scared of nuclear power, which I am, despite being told constantly that it's definitely SO SAFE and every time there's a meltdown it's just because of human error, something I don't find particularly reassuring given that humans kind of run the place.

Contaminated chicken is making people sick. Too bad the government is shut down and "food-safety personnel and disease detectives [have been] sent home and forbidden to work."

[CN: Racism] The Oneida Indian Nation challenges the Washington NFL team to change its racist name.

Were you just thinking "I wish I could stream Pearl Jam's new album NOW" even though it doesn't come out until the 15th? Welp, looks like you're in luck, my friend!