DailyDrop U.S. No. 20 · October 24, 2026 · Evening · Peltola and a voters’ rights group sue to challenge the Justice…

NBC News and CBS News reported that the Justice Department sued to keep Alaska election officials from certifying the state’s U.S. Senate result if Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan loses next month. The Hill and the Guardian reported that the department filed the suit on Thursday, Oct. 22, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Alaska. ABC News said the filing cites confusion among candidates with similar names, and CBS News reported that the department argues Sullivan would have won had the other Sullivan’s votes been counted for him. PBS NewsHour described the second candidate as a retired schoolteacher whom Republicans accuse of being a Democratic plant. The Financial Times reported that the department argues the similar names could taint the result. The Hill and PBS NewsHour reported that Trump said he directed the filing. CNBC reported on Saturday that lawsuits by Peltola and a voters’ rights group challenge the bid, and the New York Times reported that legal experts see it as dubious.

A pre-emptive suit asks a court to rule, before any votes are counted, on what should happen to certification if a close result goes a particular way. The New York Times ties the Alaska filing to the department’s California actions as part of a wider set of federal moves in the midterm elections, which is why the dispute reaches beyond one state.

If you vote in Alaska, the reports reviewed describe no change to how or where ballots are cast; your state election officials are the place to check on your ballot. For readers elsewhere, CNBC says the race is one of several that could decide control of the Senate.

The administration’s side, as CBS News and ABC News describe the filing, is that two candidates with the same name create confusion and that the result could be tainted if the incumbent loses narrowly. On this view, the department is asking a court to address the issue before certification.

The critics’ side comes from Peltola, who called the suit a desperate attempt to cling to power, and from the legal experts the New York Times cites, who say no obvious legal authority supports a pre-emptive effort to block certification. On this view, the suit is a political move rather than a legal remedy.

Confirmed across outlets: the department filed suit in federal court, Trump said he directed it, and Peltola and a voters’ rights group have filed challenges. Not confirmed: any hearing date or ruling. Watch the federal court docket this week and any state election officials’ response.

NBC News (suit to block certification, 10/23) · CBS News (Sullivan argument and Trump direction, 10/23) · ABC News (name confusion, 10/23) · PBS NewsHour (retired schoolteacher, 10/24) · CNBC (Peltola and voters’ group challenge, 10/24) · The Hill (filed Thursday and Peltola response, 10/23) · The New York Times (legal experts and Justice Dept. moves, 10/24) · The Guardian (two Republicans named Sullivan, 10/23) · USA Today (Peltola ‘corrupt’ and ‘desperate’, 10/24) · Financial Times (similar names could taint, 10/23)

Peltola and a voters’ rights group sue to challenge the Justice Department’s bid to block Alaska Senate certification if Sen. Dan Sullivan loses

Elections · Alaska Senate✓ 10 outlets · no court ruling on the suit or the challenges has been reported

Peltola and a voters’ rights group sue to challenge the Justice Department’s bid to block Alaska Senate certification if Sen. Dan Sullivan loses

New since Thursday’s filing: Democrat Mary Peltola and a voters’ rights group have sued to challenge the Justice Department’s bid, and legal experts quoted by the New York Times call it dubious.

Democrat Mary Peltola and a voters’ rights group have filed lawsuits challenging the Justice Department’s bid to block certification of Alaska’s U.S. Senate result, CNBC reported on Saturday, Oct. 24. Peltola, who is running for the Alaska Senate seat, called the department’s suit a “desperate attempt” for Republicans to “cling to power,” The Hill reported, and USA Today’s headline quoted her calling it “corrupt” and “desperate.” The New York Times reported that legal experts see the department’s effort as dubious, writing that no obvious legal authority supports a pre-emptive effort to block certification, and said on Saturday that, with moves in Alaska and California, the department has stepped up its interventions in the midterm elections. CNBC noted that the Alaska race is one of several that could decide whether Republicans keep their slim Senate majority.

The department sued on Thursday, Oct. 22, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Alaska to keep election officials from certifying the result if Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan loses next month, NBC News, CBS News, The Hill and the Guardian reported, and President Donald Trump said on Friday, Oct. 23, that he directed the filing, The Hill and PBS NewsHour reported. ABC News said the filing cites confusion among candidates with similar names, and the Guardian said the department claims there could be “confusion” about two Republicans on the ballot named Dan Sullivan. CBS News reported that the department argues Sullivan would have won had the other Sullivan’s votes been counted for him, and PBS NewsHour described the second candidate as a retired schoolteacher whom Republicans accuse of being a Democratic plant meant to siphon away votes. The New York Times called the filing highly unusual, and the Financial Times reported that the department argues the similar names could “taint” the result.

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Fox News, PBS NewsHour, NPR and the Guardian reported that gunmen opened fire at a Greek Orthodox church in Karak, Jordan, during a funeral on Friday, Oct. 23, killing at least 7 people. PBS NewsHour first reported 34 wounded, while NPR, the Guardian and the Associated Press put the number of wounded at 40, and the Guardian attributed the figures to authorities. PBS NewsHour reported that images broadcast on Jordanian state television show two gunmen who appear to be holding pistols approaching the church and firing, and a third man who appears to hold a semiautomatic rifle then opens fire. NPR described footage showing three gunmen. Reuters reported that a survivor said an assailant pointed a handgun at him. Fox News reported that King Abdullah II called the shooting an act of terrorism and vowed the harshest retaliation. On Saturday, Fox News reported that the death toll had risen to 9 and that officials blamed extremist Islamist ideology.

Casualty counts rose and shifted over a day, as they often do after an attack, which is why the outlets give different figures for the wounded. The statements by the king and by officials, as Fox News reports them, are the basis for calling the attack terrorism and for naming an ideology; none of the reports reviewed describes an arrest or a claim of responsibility.

If you have family or travel plans in Jordan, the State Department’s travel notices and your airline or hotel are the places to check; the reports reviewed describe no change to U.S. guidance. If you want to follow the story, the Jordanian government’s statements are the primary source the outlets are citing.

The official view, as Fox News reports it, is that the shooting was a terrorist act driven by extremist Islamist ideology and that the king has promised the harshest retaliation. On this view, the attack is being treated as a targeted strike on a Christian congregation at a funeral.

The more cautious view comes from the gaps in the reporting: the outlets differ on how many were wounded and on how many gunmen took part, with PBS NewsHour describing three armed men on state-television images and Reuters quoting one survivor about a single assailant. On this view, the facts about the attackers are still being established.

Confirmed across outlets: gunmen attacked a Greek Orthodox church during a funeral in Karak on Oct. 23, and at least 7 people died, with Fox News reporting 9 on Saturday. Not confirmed: who carried out the attack, how many attackers there were, or the final number wounded. Watch for official statements from Jordan on suspects and the final casualty count.

Fox News (king calls it terrorism and toll rises to 9, 10/24) · PBS NewsHour (state television footage, 10/23) · NPR (7 killed and 40 wounded, 10/24) · The Guardian (authorities’ figures, 10/24) · Reuters (survivor account, 10/24) · Associated Press (7 killed and 40 wounded, 10/24)

Gunmen kill at least 7 at a Greek Orthodox church funeral in Jordan, and Fox News reports the toll has risen to 9

World · Jordan attack✓ 6 outlets · no arrest or claim of responsibility has been reported

Gunmen kill at least 7 at a Greek Orthodox church funeral in Jordan, and Fox News reports the toll has risen to 9

Gunmen opened fire at a Greek Orthodox church in Karak, Jordan, during a funeral on Friday, Oct. 23, killing at least 7 people, Fox News, PBS NewsHour, NPR and the Guardian reported. PBS NewsHour first reported 34 wounded, while NPR, the Guardian and the Associated Press put the number of wounded at 40, and the Guardian attributed the figures to authorities. Images broadcast on Jordanian state television show two gunmen who appear to be holding pistols approaching the church and firing, and PBS NewsHour said a third man who appears to hold a semiautomatic rifle then opens fire. Reuters reported that a survivor said an assailant pointed a handgun at him. Fox News reported that King Abdullah II called the shooting an act of terrorism and vowed the “harshest retaliation.” On Saturday, Oct. 24, Fox News reported that the death toll had risen to 9 and that officials blamed “extremist” Islamist ideology.

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Inside

NBC News reported on Friday, Oct. 23, that Moderna and Merck’s personalized mRNA vaccine for melanoma reduced the risk of cancer recurrence and death by 42% compared with standard treatment in a late-stage trial. The New York Times reported that beyond melanoma, scientists are studying cancer vaccines for glioblastoma, pancreatic cancer and more. Bloomberg reported that leaked data from the highly anticipated trial led to a rare disconnect between doctors, who celebrated the result, and Wall Street, which sold off the stocks. The reports reviewed do not give the full trial data or a date for regulatory review.

A late-stage trial is the last step before a company asks regulators to approve a treatment, which is why a 42% reduction in recurrence and death risk against standard treatment draws attention from both doctors and investors. Bloomberg’s account of a split between oncologists and the market shows that a medical result and a stock reaction can point in opposite directions.

The reports describe trial results, not an approved treatment, so nothing is available to patients on the strength of these reports alone. Anyone with melanoma should ask their own oncologist about clinical trials and what the data mean for their case.

The medical view, as Bloomberg reports it, is that oncologists cheered the data, and the New York Times describes new hope for patients and further studies in other cancers. On this view, the result is a significant step for personalized cancer vaccines.

The market view, as Bloomberg reports it, is that Wall Street sold off the stocks after the leaked data, even as doctors celebrated. On this view, investors expected more from the results or doubted the commercial picture, and the reports do not say which.

Confirmed across outlets: the vaccine cut the risk of recurrence and death by 42% versus standard treatment in a late-stage trial, per NBC News. Not confirmed: the full data, side effects or when regulators will review it. Watch for the companies’ full trial presentation.

NBC News (vaccine cut recurrence risk, 10/23) · The New York Times (new hope for patients, 10/23) · Bloomberg (doctors cheer, stocks sell off, 10/23)

Personalized mRNA vaccine for melanoma cuts the risk of recurrence or death by 42% in a late-stage trial

Personalized mRNA vaccine for melanoma cuts the risk of recurrence or death by 42% in a late-stage trialNBC News said Moderna and Merck’s vaccine cut recurrence and death risk 42% versus standard care; Bloomberg said the stocks fell.Health · ✓ 3 outlets

The New York Times reported on Saturday, Oct. 24, that ticket prices jumped after fuel costs spiked because of the war with Iran, but that airlines say even an end to the conflict will not bring fares back down quickly. NBC News reported on Friday, Oct. 23, that U.S. airlines are choosing higher fares over fuller planes as fuel costs squeeze their profits. Fox Business reported the same day that American Airlines says airfares could stay elevated even if fuel prices drop. The reports reviewed do not give specific fare figures or a forecast for when prices may fall.

When fuel is a large share of an airline’s costs, the carriers can protect profits by raising fares instead of filling more seats, which is the choice NBC News describes. That is also why the Times reports airlines saying fares will not fall quickly even if the war ends.

If you plan to fly, the reports suggest fares may stay high for a while, so booking early and comparing carriers is the practical response. The reports reviewed do not say how much fares have risen on any route.

The airlines’ view, as the Times and Fox Business report it, is that fares will stay elevated even if fuel prices drop or the conflict ends. On this view, higher prices are a lasting adjustment to higher costs.

The traveler-side view comes from NBC News’s reporting that airlines favor higher fares over fuller planes, which means fewer seats are sold at higher prices. On this view, passengers bear the cost of the airlines’ choice to protect profits.

Confirmed across outlets: fares rose after fuel costs spiked, and airlines say they may stay elevated. Not confirmed: how long the higher fares will last or how much more travelers are paying. Watch for airline earnings commentary and fuel prices.

The New York Times (high airfares may be here to stay, 10/24) · NBC News (airlines favor higher fares over fuller planes, 10/23) · Fox Business (American Airlines on airfares, 10/23)

Airlines say high fares may last even if the Iran war ends, as fuel costs squeeze their profits

Airlines say high fares may last even if the Iran war ends, as fuel costs squeeze their profitsThe New York Times said ticket prices jumped after fuel costs spiked; NBC News said airlines favor higher fares over fuller planes.Travel · ✓ 3 outlets

PBS NewsHour reported on Saturday, Oct. 24, that Six Flags said it will install seat belts on the Goliath roller coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia after a rider’s death. PBS NewsHour said the park operator announced the extra safeguard less than two weeks after 42-year-old Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem of Atlanta died after being ejected from his seat. NBC News reported that a man was ejected and fell to his death earlier this month. The Guardian reported that Six Flags will reopen the coaster with seat belts, and that the ride had been temporarily shut down. The New York Times reported that the company said all Six Flags rides and attractions would undergo safety reviews, and that the park operator faces lawsuits over safety concerns.

A seat belt is an additional restraint on a ride that had relied on other restraints, and the company’s decision to review all rides, as the New York Times reports, extends the response beyond one coaster. The pending lawsuits the Times mentions are part of the pressure on the company.

If you plan to visit a Six Flags park, the company’s announcements about ride safety reviews and the status of individual rides are the place to check. The reports reviewed do not describe changes at other parks.

The company’s view, as the reports describe the announcement, is that adding seat belts and reviewing all rides responds to the death and to safety concerns. On this view, the changes are a step toward reopening Goliath safely.

The critical view comes from the lawsuits the New York Times says the company faces over safety concerns. On this view, the announcement addresses a problem only after a death.

Confirmed across outlets: Six Flags plans to add seat belts to Goliath after a rider fell to his death earlier this month. Not confirmed: when the ride will reopen or the results of the safety reviews. Watch for the reopening date and any updates on the lawsuits.

PBS NewsHour (seat belts after rider’s death, 10/24) · NBC News (man falls to his death, 10/24) · The Guardian (Goliath to reopen with seat belts, 10/24) · The New York Times (safety reviews of all rides, 10/24)

Six Flags says it will add seat belts to its Goliath roller coaster in Georgia after a rider fell to his death earlier this month

Six Flags says it will add seat belts to its Goliath roller coaster in Georgia after a rider fell to his death earlier this monthPBS NewsHour reported that 42-year-old Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem of Atlanta died after being ejected from his seat on the Goliath coaster. The New York Times reported that the company said all of its rides would undergo safety reviews.Safety · ✓ 4 outlets

NBC News reported on Saturday, Oct. 24, that the New York Knicks’ parent company said it is giving out more than $3.7 million worth of championship rings and jewelry after acknowledging an unfortunate mistake in using an offer of free rings to lure employees into a cybersecurity test. NBC News said the story was first reported by The Athletic. Fox News reported that Knicks employees who clicked a phishing email disguised as a free championship ring offer were forced into a mandatory cybersecurity class, and that Madison Square Garden called the lure an unfortunate mistake. ABC News reported that Knicks assistant coaches did not receive their championship rings at Tuesday’s title ceremony, according to a report, and that staffers were hit by a phishing email.

A phishing test works by imitating a tempting message, and this one used the rings staff had been waiting for, which is why the company called the lure a mistake. The reports link the test to employees who were still waiting for rings.

The reports reviewed describe an internal company test, not a threat to the public. The general point for anyone is that an unexpected offer of a valuable prize in an email is a common phishing tactic.

The company’s view, as Fox News and NBC News report it, is that using the rings in the test was an unfortunate mistake and that the rings will be given out. On this view, the company has acknowledged the error and corrected it.

The employees’ side, as ABC News and Fox News report it, is that coaches had not received rings and that staff who clicked were sent to a mandatory class. On this view, the test caused frustration among people who were already waiting for rings.

Confirmed across outlets: the company called the ring-based phishing test an unfortunate mistake and says it is giving out the rings and jewelry. Not confirmed: the timing of the distribution. Watch for any further statement from Madison Square Garden or the team.

NBC News (mistake and $3.7 million in rings, 10/24) · Fox News (phishing test and cybersecurity class, 10/23) · ABC News (coaches waiting on rings, 10/23)

Knicks’ parent company calls its use of championship rings as phishing bait an “unfortunate mistake” and says it will give out the rings

Knicks’ parent company calls its use of championship rings as phishing bait an “unfortunate mistake” and says it will give out the ringsNBC News reported that the company is giving out more than $3.7 million worth of rings and jewelry after using a free-ring offer to lure employees into a cybersecurity test. Fox News reported that employees who clicked were forced into a mandatory cybersecurity class.Sports · ✓ 3 outlets

Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders’ parent company seeks legal action against My Chemical Romance over the band’s cheerleader-style costumesNBC News reported that the company is seeking legal action after the band performed alongside dancers in costumes resembling the team’s uniforms this week. TMZ’s headline described a legal fight over fake uniforms.Entertainment · ✓ 2 outlets

PBS NewsHour reported that more than 400,000 people protested across France on Saturday, Oct. 24, as clashes erupted in Paris, and that Paris police put turnout in the capital at 110,000, with restrictions confining the march to the city’s southeastern edge. The Guardian reported that the government estimated at least 400,000 took part while trade unions said the number was double that, and described largely peaceful marches in support of schoolchildren’s demands for more teachers and repairs to dilapidated buildings. NBC News reported that thousands of students and workers marched in Paris and other cities over school funding and soaring living costs, and that Paris shut the Louvre and other museums. CBS News reported that about 70,000 police were deployed, and the New York Times described a force aimed at avoiding the arson and looting seen last weekend. Fox News reported that Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said nearly 1,000 people had been arrested. The Hill reported that the NFL closed its Paris fan zone.

The crowd estimates differ widely because police, the government and unions count differently, which is why PBS NewsHour, the Guardian and NBC News give different pictures of the same day. The deployment of about 70,000 officers reflects the damage of the previous weekend, when CBS News reports that 3,000 shops were damaged or looted.

If you are traveling to Paris, NBC News reports that the Louvre and other museums were closed and The Hill reports that the NFL’s fan zone closed; check with your airline, hotel and the event organizers. The Hill reports that the Saints-Steelers game is still scheduled for Sunday.

The security view, from the deployment figures, is that a very large police presence was needed to prevent a repeat of last weekend’s looting, and Fox News cites the interior minister’s arrest figure as part of that response. On this view, the day was about containing violence.

The protesters’ view, as the Guardian and NBC News report it, is that the marches are about schools, teachers, building repairs and living costs, and were largely peaceful. On this view, the focus on clashes and arrests understates what the marchers say they came for.

Confirmed across outlets: large marches took place across France on Oct. 24, with heavy police deployment and clashes in Paris. Disputed: the turnout, which ranges from 110,000 in Paris to figures the unions put at double the government’s 400,000. Watch for final arrest and injury figures and for the Sunday NFL game in Paris.

PBS NewsHour (400,000 march and Paris clashes, 10/24) · The Guardian (turnout and school demands, 10/24) · NBC News (students and workers march, Louvre shut, 10/24) · CBS News (70,000 police, 10/24) · The New York Times (security force, 10/24) · Fox News (nearly 1,000 arrests, 10/24) · The Hill (NFL fan zone closed, 10/24)

More than 400,000 march across France as Paris clashes erupt, with 70,000 police deployed

World · France protests✓ 7 outlets · turnout figures differ between police, the government and unions

More than 400,000 march across France as Paris clashes erupt, with 70,000 police deployed

More than 400,000 people protested across France on Saturday, Oct. 24, as clashes erupted in Paris, PBS NewsHour reported. The Guardian reported that the government estimated at least 400,000 took part while trade unions said the number was double that, and described largely peaceful marches in support of schoolchildren’s demands for more teachers and repairs to dilapidated buildings. PBS NewsHour reported that Paris police put turnout in the capital at 110,000, with restrictions confining the march to the city’s southeastern edge, away from the center. NBC News reported that thousands of students and workers marched in Paris and other cities over school funding and soaring living costs, and that Paris shut the Louvre and other museums.

CBS News reported that about 70,000 police were deployed on Saturday, and the New York Times reported that the force of police and security officers aimed to avert the arson and looting that shocked the country last weekend. CBS News reported that 3,000 shops were damaged or looted a week earlier. Fox News reported that Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said nearly 1,000 people had been arrested. The Hill reported that the NFL closed its fan zone in Paris, while the Saints-Steelers game remains scheduled for Sunday.

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By the numbers

400,000+Protesters across France, per PBS NewsHour

110,000Paris turnout as estimated by Paris police, per PBS NewsHour

70,000Police deployed Saturday, per CBS News

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More than 400,000 march across France as Paris clashes erupt, with 70,000 police deployed

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