Another Day, Another Indictment; “ You could stop this.” Pleas to Congress to end the government shutdown

Summary

Summary of "Here’s the Scoop" from NBC News — Episode: “Another Day, Another Indictment; ‘You Could Stop This.’ Pleas to Congress to End the Government Shutdown”

Date: October 10, 2025
Host: Brian Chung
Guests & Contributors: Melanie Zenoda (NBC News Capitol Hill Correspondent), David Rhode (Senior Executive Editor for National Security and Law), Matt Bradley (Foreign Correspondent)

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Episode Overview

This episode addresses a rapidly shifting news day dominated by an extraordinary indictment of New York Attorney General Letitia James, the ongoing federal government shutdown's mounting consequences, notable congressional confrontations, and a poignant farewell to a 106-year-old sports legend. The tone is brisk but empathetic, as the hosts and reporters bring front-line insights, memorable calls from everyday Americans, and context on why these events matter now.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Middle East Ceasefire Developments

[00:51–02:40]

• Ceasefire in Gaza:
  • Israel’s government has approved the first phase of a significant peace plan, beginning a 72-hour ceasefire.
  • Israeli troops are pulling back, and displaced Palestinians are moving north, although the area is still dangerous.
  • A key part of the agreement: Hamas must recover the bodies of 28 deceased hostages and secure the release of 20 living hostages.
  • Barriers exist since “Hamas officials have said they don’t necessarily know where all the bodies are buried” due to casualties among those who buried them (David Rhode, 02:14).
  • Questions remain about what post-conflict governance in Gaza will look like and the release of 250 Palestinians held in Israeli jails, which is “a very poisonous pill for Israelis to swallow” (Melanie Zenoda, 02:40).
• U.S. military involvement:
  • U.S. preparing to send up to 200 troops to Israel for security and humanitarian aid coordination.
  • President Trump is set to visit the region and address the Knesset.

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2. Indictment of New York Attorney General Letitia James

[02:40–10:46]

• Background:

  • A federal grand jury indicted Letitia James (a Democrat and outspoken Trump critic) on counts of bank fraud and making false statements, largely linked to a misrepresented mortgage application.
  • Charges arose after her prominent lawsuit against former President Trump and his organization for fraud (2022).

• Details of the Case:

  • James allegedly claimed a property was a secondary residence when it was being used as an investment rental.
  • By mislabeling, she secured a lower interest rate, “saving about $50 a month” (David Rhode, 04:13–05:15).
  • Prosecutors allege fraud, but career DOJ attorneys declined to pursue the case, considering it weak; they were then replaced with a Trump-appointed, inexperienced attorney who brought the indictment.

• Political Retaliation Concerns:

  • Trump's public call (on Truth Social) for his Attorney General to indict James, Comey, and others was revealed to have been intended as a private message. “You have the President … ordering the attorney general to go charge his rivals is unprecedented,” (David Rhode, 05:33).
  • Both sides are expected to argue “selective or vindictive prosecution” due to this direct evidence of political targeting.
  • The episode draws a clear parallel to Justice Department independence post-Watergate—highlighting how norms have changed.
  • Ongoing DOJ investigations reportedly target others seen as Trump adversaries, including Adam Schiff, Lisa Cook (Federal Reserve), and former intelligence officials.
  • Quote: “All that has changed very rapidly in the last few years.” (David Rhode, 09:35)

Notable Quote:

“The career prosecutor who wouldn’t do this was forced out… and now have the president’s personal lawyer come in as the Acting U.S. Attorney and bring these cases forward.”
— David Rhode [07:03]

• Process Forward:
  • Motions to dismiss are likely, based on ample public comments illustrating possible vindictive prosecution.

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3. Federal Government Shutdown: Financial and Political Strain

[12:35–19:31]

• Current Status:

  • 10th day of the shutdown, with no expected congressional progress until at least next Tuesday.
  • Speaker Mike Johnson canceled all House sessions until Senate acts on the House-passed continuing resolution (CR).
  • “There just does not seem to be a sense of urgency right now.” (Melanie Zenoda, 13:34)

• Direct Impacts:

  • Today is the first day federal workers miss a portion of their pay; military members’ first missed paycheck will be Wednesday.
  • Disruptions are growing: airport delays (air traffic controllers calling in sick), interruptions to the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) nutrition program.
  • As Brian Chung summarizes: “The pain is really starting to spread.” [14:49]

• Notable C-Span Moment:

  • Speaker Mike Johnson took live C-Span calls—a rarity since 2001. A military spouse called in, pleading:

    “I am begging you to pass this legislation. My kids could die… You could stop this.”
    — [16:27]

  • Johnson responded by blaming Democrats and implied the House had already acted:

    “The Democrats are the ones that are preventing you from getting a check… Chuck Schumer and the Democrats are preventing your family from getting the care they need, not Republicans.”
    — Speaker Mike Johnson [16:58]

  • Military spouse identified herself as a Republican, expressing disappointment, potentially shifting intraparty sentiment.

Significant Quote (On Political Optics):

“I talked to one House Republican on background who said they're very deeply concerned about the optics here of them being out of the House next week when these members of the military are going to miss their first paycheck.”
— Melanie Zenoda [18:59]

• No Immediate Resolution Expected:

  • No action expected over the weekend; only three Senate Democrats have voted with Republicans so far.

• Federal Layoffs:

  • After the episode’s Capitol Hill segment, a White House OMB spokesperson confirms that “substantial” layoffs (“reductions in force”) have begun, primarily targeting non-essential employees.

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4. Headlines & Developments

[19:32–24:12]

• US-China Trade Tensions:

  • Trump threatens massive tariffs once again as China curbs rare earth exports; US markets jittery; APEC summit with Xi is now off the table.
  • The end of "de minimis" customs exemption leads thousands of packages to get stuck at customs, causing shipping chaos for US consumers ([21:43]).

• National Guard Blocked in Illinois:

  • Judge April Perry issues an order stopping National Guard deployment to Chicago, citing unconstitutional action and lack of clear evidence from DHS.

• Nor’easter Approaching:

  • Major storm expected along the East Coast, bringing heavy rain, strong winds, and serious flooding risks across multiple states.

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5. Remembering Sister Jean: A Chicago Hoops Legend

[24:13–25:12]

• Loyola University’s iconic basketball team chaplain, Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt, dies at 106.
  • Celebrated for unwavering faith, spirited pregame prayers, and famously sharp scouting reports.
  • “People say to me, you look so serious during the game, Sister Jean… I’m paying attention to the game, playing every step along with these young men.” [24:19]
  • Loyola’s 2018 March Madness run made her a beloved national figure.

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Memorable Moments & Quotes

• On the unprecedented nature of the indictments:

  “Presidents did not engage in anything remotely like this, where they’re telling the attorney general to go criminally indict these three political opponents of mine.”
  — David Rhode [05:33]

• On the government shutdown’s real effects:

  “You could stop this and you could be the one that could say military is getting paid. I have a husband who actively serves this country.”
  — Military spouse caller [16:29]

• On Capitol ‘vibes’:

  “The vibes are bad. The vibes are weird.”
  — Melanie Zenoda [13:34]

• On Sister Jean’s legacy:

  “Well, this is the most fun I had in my life.”
  — Sister Jean [25:00]

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Important Timestamps

• [00:51] — Middle East ceasefire, Gaza strip developments
• [02:40] — Indictment of AG Letitia James details begin
• [05:33] — Trump’s Truth Social “private” order for prosecutions
• [07:03] — Analysis on new Trump-appointed prosecutor
• [13:34] — Shutdown impact on Congress and daily life
• [14:49] — Federal workers and military feeling shutdown effects
• [16:27] — C-Span call: Military spouse’s emotional plea
• [19:32] — OMB announces staff layoffs
• [19:32] — Headlines: tariffs, shipping delays, National Guard blocked
• [24:13] — Tribute to Sister Jean, Loyola basketball legend

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Tone and Style

The reporting is brisk, clear, and direct, with notable empathy in segments involving everyday American hardship and the legacy of Sister Jean. The episode balances hard news (indictments, shutdown fallout) with moments of humanity and cultural reflection.

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Takeaway for Listeners

This episode offers a vivid snapshot of a country navigating deep political division, government dysfunction, foreign policy volatility, and unexpected loss—but also the resilient voices of citizens demanding accountability and remembering those who’ve united communities across generations.

Transcript

[Brian Chung]

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Clunking sound from your dryer is. With thumbtack, you don't have to be a home pro, you just have to hire one. You can hire top rated pros, see price estimates and read reviews all on the app. Download Today. Welcome to here's the scoop from NBC News. I'm Brian Chung. It's Friday and today on the show, New York Attorney General Letitia James is now the latest to face indictment. And yes, the federal government is still closed for business. Plus, we're remembering a true hoops legend, a 106-year-old nun who captured the hearts of Chicago and beyond. But first, ceasefire in Gaza ahead of a big weekend in the Middle East. That ceasefire taking effect at noon local time after the Israeli government approved the first phase of a landmark peace peace plan. And according to both US And Israeli officials, troops have already started pulling back from parts of the Gaza Strip. NBC News foreign correspondent Matt Bradley is in Israel.

[David Rhode]

So things are really moving fast on the ground. We're seeing Palestinians from southern Gaza who have been displaced many, many times having.

[Melanie Zenoda]

Heard about this ceasefire.

[David Rhode]

They're now moving north into the northern Gaza Strip. And Israeli soldiers are warning this is still an active combat zone. We're starting to see things starting to move toward this 72 hour period. The Israelis say they've withdrawn their forces to the so called yellow line.

[Melanie Zenoda]

That means that 72 hours have started the clock means that Hamas has to recover the bodies of those 28 hostages who are dead, who are part of.

[David Rhode]

This agreement and the 20 living hostages who are still thought to be in the Gaza Strip.

[Melanie Zenoda]

And this is a pretty thorny operation.

[David Rhode]

Because in fact, Hamas officials have said.

[Melanie Zenoda]

They don't necessarily know where all the bodies are buried.

[David Rhode]

And in fact, one person close to the Palestinian side said a lot of.

[Melanie Zenoda]

The people who had buried these bodies.

[David Rhode]

Have since been killed.

[Melanie Zenoda]

There's also the question, question of post governance Gaza, what will happen to Hamas? And then of course, there's the 250 life sentence, convicted Palestinians who are set to be released as part of this deal.

[David Rhode]

The Justice Ministry in Israel said that.

[Melanie Zenoda]

They have just gotten a list of.

[David Rhode]

The names of those 250 who are.

[Melanie Zenoda]

About to be released. But releasing is going to be a very poisonous pill for Israelis to swallow. Thanks, Matt. Officials tell NBC News the U.S. is preparing to send as many as 200 troops to Israel. Their mission would focus on security and coordinating humanitarian aid into Gaza. It comes as President Trump gets ready to travel to the region where he's been invited to speak before Israel's parliament, the Knesset. Well, back home, President Trump just added another political opponent to his list of indictments. A federal grand jury indicted New York Attorney General Letitia James, a Democrat who has had a long, contentious history with President Trump. James faces one count of bank fraud and one count of making false statements. AG James emphatically denying any wrongdoing. These charges are baseless, and the president's.

[Brian Chung]

Own public statements make clear that his.

[Melanie Zenoda]

Only goal is political retribution at any cost. The charges come three years after Letitia James, in her role as New York attorney general, sued then former President Donald Trump, his two oldest sons and the Trump Organization for fraud, alleging they lied to banks and others about the value of their assets. And it follows charges brought against former FBI Director James Comey, another perceived political enemy of President Trump. Comey and James are both being charged by the same prosecutor who was appointed by the president. Joining me now is senior Executive editor for National Security and Law for NBC News, David Rhode. Hi, David.

[David Rhode]

Hey, thanks for having me on.

[Melanie Zenoda]

So, David, tell us about exactly what she's being charged with here, which is mortgage fraud.

[David Rhode]

She's accused of buying a house in Norfolk, Virginia. And in her mortgage application, she said that it was going to be a secondary residence for her. And what they found looking at her tax records was that she actually used it as an investment property. She rented the house to a family of three. She paid roughly $130,000 for this house in 2020. But the vast majority of it was a mortgage that was about $110,000. And the result, though, is that she got a lower mortgage rate, paying a lower interest rate because it was supposed to be a secondary residence versus a commercial property. So that's the fraud. And it's basically that she, over the course of this loan, she was going to pay $17,000 less than she would have paid if she, according to prosecutors, had properly said it was an investment property. It's a 30 year mortgage so it actually works out that she saved in the end about $50 a month. If prosecutors are right, she lied on our mortgage application. But those are the numbers involved.

[Melanie Zenoda]

So, David, tell us about how this wasn't necessarily unexpected and what this means within the overall context of what the president wants his attorney general to do. Because he posted on Truth Social for everyone to see that he was asking his attorney general to go after not just Letitia James, but a number of other Democrats as well.

[David Rhode]

We've got some brand new reporting today from our colleague Kristen Welker. So this appeared as a post on Truth Social, and it started with Pam Colon, like as an attorney General, Pam Bondi Trump clearly and overtly says, pam, you need to act now. You need to go bring criminal charges against Letitia James and James Comey and Adam Schiff. This reporting this morning from Kristen Welker is that that was supposed to be actually a dm, a private DM from the president to Pam Bondi, but he accidentally posted it online. This will be definitely something that Letitia James's lawyers and Jim Comey's lawyers are going to bring up. I mean, you have the President of the United States, in a way, the fact that he was trying to do it privately ordering the attorney general to go charge his rivals is unprecedented. This has happened. I mean, there was problems with Nixon, and we can talk about that. For the last 50 years, though, presidents did not engage in anything remotely like this, where they're telling the attorney general go criminally indict these three political opponents of mine.

[Melanie Zenoda]

Let's reset here because we also need to talk about charges against former FBI Director James Comey. They were brought by the same prosecutor. That's Lindsey Halligan. Tell us about what we know about Lindsey Halligan. And is there a fair comparison to be made between the charges against Jim Comey versus Letitia James, understanding that Comey's being charged with making a false statement and obstruction of a congressional hearing, whereas James is facing mortgage fraud allegations.

[David Rhode]

The through line is that the career prosecutors, all this is occurring in the Eastern District of Virginia. The career prosecutors in Alexandria, Virginia, looked at both of these cases, the Comey case in the Letitia James case, and said there is not enough evidence here to win a conviction and they declined to indict them. That's a basic guideline. The whole point here is that the Justice Department is incredibly powerful. If the federal government decides to prosecute you or me, even if we're acquitted, it's thousands and thousands of dollars in defense lawyer costs. It damages our reputations. So there are strict guidelines that if you don't believe you can win this case, a career prosecutor is not supposed to bring the case. So the career prosecutor who wouldn't do this was forced out by replaced by Lindsey Halligan, a personal lawyer of his who hadn't prosecuted a case before. Before she worked for Trump, she worked at an insurance company. And now she has twice brought these charges and gotten indictments from a grand jury. So it's all just again, unprecedented to have career officials say no, then be forced out and now have the president's personal lawyer come in as the Acting U.S. attorney and bring these cases forward.

[Melanie Zenoda]

And so two of them have been indicted. The third is Adam Schiff, a senator from California. Is he expected to be next in the docket? And then is there anyone after that who maybe wasn't named in that truth social post? I'm thinking of Lisa Cook, who is currently a Federal Reserve governor, that the same people who have been investigating mortgage fraud against Tish James and Adam Schiff have also been looking into.

[David Rhode]

There's a whole range of mortgage investigations. And Adam Schiff is one of the people that they've looked at. This is Bill Pulte, who now runs the main federal mortgage government agency. We don't know what the allegations are there, but he's on the list. And then there's just, there's Lisa Cookie, you mentioned the Federal Reserve governor who's also, he's been trying to force out and possibly get prosecuted. But there's a raft of people, former law enforcement intelligence officials, John Brennan, the former CIA director, Chris Wray, the former FBI director, the former director of National Intelligence, James Clapper. And so this can continue. And again, it's all unprecedented. There were all these reforms made after Watergate where the FBI was supposed to be independent, a 10 year director not coinciding with any presidential administration. The Justice Department was supposed to be independent in terms of criminal investigations. And all that has changed very rapidly in the last few years.

[Melanie Zenoda]

What happens from here now that the indictment has been filed?

[David Rhode]

So both, I think it's interesting because they're almost parallel cases. But for Letitia James and Jim Comey, we expect their lawyers to file motions to dismiss the charges saying that this is selective prosecution or, or more likely vindictive prosecution. And they will cite this message, this post from Trump to Pam Bondi and Trump's many, many attacks on both Comey and James calling for them to be, you know, indicted. And they'll say, have other people been indicted on these charges? Is this selective prosecution and is it just vindictive prosecution? Those kind of motions don't usually win. But there is this extraordinary amount of public evidence that has been created by President Trump and they'll be citing that even if a trial judge, you know, throws it out, it'll then go up to a federal appeals court. And it's not clear this would ever go to the Supreme Court. But in a way, what we're living in is this sort of this amazing civics lesson for Americans about how the court system is supposed to be an equal third branch of government, how what goes up to the Supreme Court and what doesn't, like what are the checks on the president? We'll just see what happens. But I'm sure those motions will be coming soon.

[Melanie Zenoda]

David Rhode, thanks so much.

[David Rhode]

Thank you, Brian.

[Melanie Zenoda]

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[Melanie Zenoda]

Welcome back to here's the scoop from NBC News. It is day 10 for the government shutdown and it looks like that closed sign is going to stay up for a third week as the Senate failed to come to any resolution last night before heading home until Tuesday. And now the speaker of the House, Mike Johnson, just canceled all House sessions next week and said House members won't return to work until the Senate approves the House past continuing resolution, or what they call the cr. And what began as an extremely inside the Beltway story is now starting to ripple across main streets nationwide, as today is the first day that federal workers will see a hit to their pay. And this last through Wednesday, that'll be the day military members will actually miss their first paycheck. On top of that, airports are still seeing delays, and some crucial programs are getting pulled back. Joining me now is NBC News Capitol Hill correspondent Melanie Zenoda. Hey, Mel.

[Brian Chung]

Hi. Thanks for having me.

[Melanie Zenoda]

Okay, so tell us about the vibes in the Capitol. Where are we now in day 10?

[Brian Chung]

The vibes are bad. The vibes are weird. In fact, Mike Johnson kicked off his press conference saying we are not in a good mood, which I think pretty much sums it up. I mean, the House isn't even here. But the members who are here have been getting into confrontations with each other in the hallways, including with Mike Johnson. At one point, Hakeem Jeffries was also confronted by one of the Republicans in the House who is wandering the hallways trying to pick fights with people. And I can tell you, Brian, having covered a couple of these shutdowns, this is probably the weirdest shutdown I have ever covered. And let me tell you why. Usually they would be working weekends, they would be working nights. They would be working around the clock, shuffling from office to office, doing some, you know, shuttle diplomacy. We have not seen that whatsoever. It is Friday right now. The Senate went home last night. They're not coming back until Tuesday. And we are about to do third week of this government shutdown. So there just does not seem to be a sense of urgency right now. The two sides are not talking whatsoever. And I think the closest they're getting to communicating is through jabs at each other in press conferences or floor speeches, or in Trump's case, through memes. So that's kind of where things are right now.

[Melanie Zenoda]

And now that this is dragging into a third week, like, we're starting to see the impacts of these shutdowns hitting federal workers, right?

[Brian Chung]

Yeah, that's exactly right. Today is really pivotal because it's the first time federal workers will receive at least a partial paycheck. So they're gonna see their first hit just the way the federal pay period works. And then military members, they're gonna miss their first paycheck on Wednesday. So the pain is really starting to spread. We're also seeing air traffic delays because air traffic controllers, they don't wanna come to work without pay so they're calling in sick instead. We're also starting to see states and organizations hit the pause button or preventing signups for the Women, Infants and Children Nutrition Program. Just such a critical program that so many low income women rely on essentially to feed their babies and feed their families. I think part of the reason we haven't seen much urgency on Capitol Hill is because it's been a little bit slow to start seeing the impacts. But those are about to pick up dramatically, I would say, in the next week or so.

[Melanie Zenoda]

Yeah. And when you talk about those members of the military that are really worried about the impact to them if they don't get that paycheck, I mean, I understand that this was kind of the. A focus of an exchange, a very interesting exchange on C Span involving House Speaker Mike Johnson, right?

[Brian Chung]

Yes. This was such a powerful moment. Just for some context here, a sitting speaker has not taken calls from viewers on C span since 2001 when Dennett Hastert, the former speaker, did that. And in watching those calls with Speaker Johnson, you could see why leaders are not inclined to do those sorts of interviews because it was tough. Johnson was facing some really pointed questions from everyday Americans who were actually feel the impacts of this shutdown. There was one particularly standout moment with a military spouse. Let's take a listen to that moment. I am begging you to pass this legislation.

[David Rhode]

My kids could die.

[Brian Chung]

We don't have the credit because of the medical bills that I have to pay regularly. You could stop this and you could be the one that could say military is getting paid. I have two medically fragile children. I have a husband who actively serves this country.

[David Rhode]

I am angry because of situations just like yours. I have a big military district. I have a lot of airmen and.

[Melanie Zenoda]

Soldiers who are deployed right now. And they have young families at home and they have children and health situations like yours.

[David Rhode]

This is what keeps me up at night. We had a vote to pay the troops. It was the continued resolution three weeks ago. The Democrats are the ones that are preventing you from getting a check. Chuck Schumer and the Democrats are preventing your family from getting the care they need, not Republicans.

[Brian Chung]

And then hours after that exchange on C Span, Johnson had a press conference where we asked him, okay, so are you going to put a standalone bill on the floor to pay the troops? This is something, Brian, that's been done in past shutdowns. Usually Congress does not let the troops go without being paid. But Johnson said the House already did its job by passing a funding bill in September that funds the entire government including the military. And so he's pretty much standing firm saying they're not going to bring the House back. He reiterated that, I'm told, on a press call with some of his members saying they are not going to pass a bill before October 15, which is that deadline line when military members will stop receiving their paychecks. So it does not look like relief is coming. I think there is an open question about whether the Trump administration is going to be able to potentially move some funds around to pay the troops. But all of that very uncertain right now.

[Melanie Zenoda]

I was on Washington Journal, I think once, I imagine you are a vet of jumping on C span. I mean it really is for people that don't know or are not familiar. They take questions from anybody and it's really Pandora's box if you have no idea what topic is going to come up.

[Brian Chung]

Yeah, I remember the first time I ever did it, I was sweating because you're just, you don't know what type of questions you're going to get. They have a special line for Republicans, Democrats and Independents. And that's something else notable about that military mom and spouse is that she was a self identified Republican and said, I am disappointed in my own party. So I think that's why you're starting to see some of Johnson's own members get a little skittish about the strategy. Some of them are pushing back, saying we need to bring the House House back. We should be here working. I talked to one House Republican on background who said they're very deeply concerned about the optics here of them being out of the House next week when these members of the military are going to miss their first paycheck.

[Melanie Zenoda]

So it is Friday. We're coming up on the weekend. I understand that Congress has, has broke for the weekend. Is there going to be any update on this shutdown over the weekend?

[Brian Chung]

I don't expect there to be an update. The Senate is going to be out all weekend. The question is what does the vote count look like? Do more Senate Democrats start peeling off and voting to reopen the government or do less Senate Democrats vote with Republicans? So far it's been three Senate Democrats. That number has not changed whatsoever. But we'll be watching very closely to see whether that changes.

[Melanie Zenoda]

Melanie Zenona on Capitol Hill, thanks so much.

[Brian Chung]

Thanks for having me.

[Melanie Zenoda]

Shortly after our conversation, the White House director of the Office of Management and Budget posted on x the RIFs have begun using the acronym for reductions in force. You'll remember the White House has been threatening layoffs since before the government shutdown began. It was aimed at shrinking the size of the federal workforce. There are no other details of the layoffs that were immediately announced, but a spokesperson for the budget office called these cuts substantial. The Director of Health and Human Services saying all HHS employees receiving reduction in force notices were designated non essential by their respective divisions. All right, headlines time. You remember those tariffs on China that President Trump once ratcheted as high as 145% only to take them back down again? Well, in a true social post today, the president said he could again implement a massive tariff hike on Chinese goods as he accused Beijing of becoming what he says is very hostile on trade. The announcement sent markets reeling and came just a day after China unveiled new limits on the export of rare earth minerals, which are key materials used in electric vehicles and smartphones. A spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in Washington did not respond to Trump's post. But all of this marks a step backwards for US China relations, with Trump now saying a meeting with President Xi is off the table. The two were expected to talk at an APEC summit in South Korea two weeks from now. And speaking of tariffs, thousands of packages bound for the US Are stuck in customs limbo, leading UPS to scrap some shipments as customers waiting for their boxes are left fuming. It's all related to a more obscure part of the trade law. It's known as a de minimis exemption, which had allowed small, low value packages to enter the US Tariff free. The Trump administration ended that exemption at the end of August. And because of the added info needed to clear customs, many packages, big and small, are now piling up in UPS warehouses from tea sets to telescopes. A New York based customs broker who processes these packages says he's never seen anything like this before. We've had hundreds of inquiries, you know, for shipments that are stuck with ups.

[David Rhode]

These people call up in a panic their shipments are going to be disposed of. One shipment was an engagement ring.

[Melanie Zenoda]

This girl calls us and she's, she's panicking.

[David Rhode]

Luckily, we were able to clear that one for her and UPS proceeded with the delivery.

[Melanie Zenoda]

UPS telling my colleague Kayla Steinberg that they've had to dispose of some shipments as customers told her they were left confused over when they'll receive their packages, if they receive them at all. In Chicago, a judge issued a temporary order blocking the National Guard from sending troops into Illinois. Judge April Perry found the deployment of the National Guard to be unconstitutional. After an hours long hearing ripping the Department of Homeland Security for citing what she called unreliable evidence that cast doubt over the state of crime in the city. Judge Perry appeared frustrated at times during the hearing, as a lawyer from the Justice Department couldn't answer questions about what exactly the National Guard troops would be authorized to do. Perry issued a written decision today explaining her reasoning for the restraining order. Illinois governor Jamie Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson praised the ruling, and when asked about the judge's decision, the White House said they hoped to be vindicated by a higher court. The Justice Department filed an appeal yesterday and A powerful nor' easter is spinning up along the east coast this weekend, and it could rain on some travelers weekend plans. We're talking heavy rain, strong winds and serious coastal flooding from the Carolinas on all the way up to southern New England. Forecasters say this storm's intensifying by the hour, with the biggest impacts expected along the Delmarva coast. That's Delaware, Maryland and Virginia. Add in the Jersey Shore, Long island and southern New England and you've got a real whopper on the way. Some spots could see up to 5 inches of rain, with wind gusts topping 50 miles an hour in places like Atlantic City, Nantucket and Virginia Beach. More than two dozen rivers are already expected to hit flood stage, including parts of Charleston, the Virginia coast and the Jersey Shore, setting up a soggy and potentially dangerous weekend across much of the East Coast. And before we say goodbye, we want to take a moment and remember Sister Jean Delores Schmidt, the beloved chaplain for Loyola University Chicago's men's basketball team and the spirited heart behind The Ramblers Magical 2018 March Madness run, who has died at 106. And the Ramblers are moving on. Loyola confirmed her passing Thursday, remembering her unwavering faith, dedicated service and joyful spirit that inspired generations across more than six decades on campus. People say to me, you look so.

[David Rhode]

Serious during the game, sister Jean, and.

[Brian Chung]

I said, I'm paying attention to the.

[David Rhode]

Game, playing every step along with these young men.

[Melanie Zenoda]

Born Dolores Bertha Schmidt in San Francisco in 1919, she joined the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed virgin Mary at 18 and lived by a simple motto, worship, work and win. Sister Jean became Loyola's team chaplain in 1994, known for her pregame prayers, God.

[David Rhode]

Bless us, Amen and Go Ramblers, and.

[Melanie Zenoda]

Even sharper scouting reports. But it was in 2018, rocking her signature maroon and gold scarf and custom Nikes, that she became a global icon.

[Brian Chung]

Well, this is the most fun I.

[David Rhode]

Had in my life. It is.

[Melanie Zenoda]

Even after retiring in 2025, Sister Jean's spirit remained woven into the fabric of Loyola Godspeed sister Jean. Well, that's going to do it for us at. Here's the scoop from NBC News. We'll be back here on Monday. Have a great weekend. I'm Brian Chung. And oh, if you like what you heard, like us back.

[David Rhode]

Foreign.

[Melanie Zenoda]

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