Supreme Court’s blockbuster new term, California faces ‘worst case’ oil spill and the ‘Squid Game’ sensation

To ensure delivery to your inbox add email@mail.nbcnews.com to your contacts Today's Top Stories from NBC News MONDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2021 Good morning, NBC News readers.     This morning we take a look at the Supreme Court's busy new term that could produce a string of conservative victories on abortion, guns and religion. Plus, the race to clean up what's being called an "environmental catastrophe" off the Southern California coast. And what's all the fuss about Netflix's "Squid Game"?     Here's the latest on that and everything else we're watching this Monday morning.     Abortion, guns top agenda for new Supreme Court term The Supreme Court is gearing up for a blockbuster term beginning Monday that is likely to produce the most important ruling on abortion in 30 years and a long-awaited decision on the issue of carrying guns outside the home.   The court will also take up a dispute over public funding for religious education, and it could plunge back into the controversy over considering a student's race in college admissions.   "I think we're going to look back at this as the year in which the conservatives really did fully take over the Supreme Court and American constitutional law, where they got what they were really looking for on the big, hot-button issues that affect all of Americans' lives," said Tom Goldstein, a lawyer who argues frequently before the court and publishes the website SCOTUSBlog.   Read more about what's on the Supreme Court's stacked docket this term from NBC News' Justice Correspondent Pete Williams here.   Monday's Top Stories California pipeline shut down after 'worst case' scenario oil spill Authorities are frantically working to slow the spread of a major oil spill off the coast of Orange County in Southern California, but local officials fear damage to fish and wildlife may have already been done. READ MORE If Sinema undermines Biden's agenda, will her iconoclast image hold in Arizona? The Arizona senator portrays herself back home as a renegade politician who delivers results — even while she sits at the center of an intraparty clash over President Joe Biden's agenda.   READ MORE The nation's economic recovery is still unequal for Black workers  More than a year after the country's pandemic-driven recession officially ended, America's economic recovery continues to be unequal. Black workers were the only racial or ethnic group whose unemployment rate increased overall in August.  READ MORE Education culture war finds a new target: Pride flags in classrooms Pride flags, which were created to promote unity, are being called political and divisive with classroom displays sparking debates in school districts across the country.  READ MORE Also in the News Nobel Prize honors U.S. scientists for discovery of temperature, touch receptors Facebook whistleblower reveals identity, accuses the platform of a 'betrayal of democracy' Two Koreas reopen hotlines as North urges South to mend ties  George Floyd statue in NYC defaced for second time Finders keepers: Woman finds 4-carat yellow diamond in Arkansas state park Buccaneers hold on to win Tom Brady's New England homecoming  Editor's Pick Marvel's 'Shang-Chi' was made with China in mind. Here's why Beijing doesn't like it. Marvel's first film with a predominantly Asian cast has been a hit with global audiences, but it isn't playing on a single screen in mainland China. It's the latest movie to run into trouble in the country as nationalism and U.S.-China tensions rise. READ MORE Shopping Experts recommend getting a head start on holiday shopping during October. Plus, here's a look at the most purchased items we covered in September. One Fun Thing What's up with Netflix's 'Squid Game'? Why is it so popular?   "Squid Game" is more than just a runaway hit for Netflix — it's also the internet's favorite show.   Released Sept. 17, the nine-episode Korean thriller is poised to become the streaming giant's biggest "non-English-language show in the world," said Netflix's co-CEO Ted Sarandos.   On TikTok, the hashtag "#SquidGame" has been viewed more than 22.8 billion times.   So what's the deal? Check out an explainer on why it's so popular here.  Thanks for reading the Morning Rundown.    If you have any comments — likes, dislikes — send me an email at: petra@nbcuni.com   If you're a fan, please forward it to your family and friends. They can sign-up here.    Thanks, Petra Cahill     FOLLOW US     Want to receive NBC Breaking News and Special Alerts in your inbox? SIGN UP HERE Check out all of NBC Newsletters here.     Get the NBC News Mobile App   30 Rockefeller Plaza New York, NY 10112 View in browser | Unsubscribe | Manage Subscription | Contact | Privacy