A rare “cannibal CME” is slamming Earth, triggering a G3 geomagnetic storm and lighting up the skies—NOAA says auroras could stretch across 22 states, from the northern tier down into the Midwest.  In Washington, lawmakers say they have the votes to reopen the government after the shutdown standoff.  Meanwhile, Starbucks’ new “Bearista” cups are causing a full-on merch frenzy. 
And we wrap with a look at Las Vegas—after COVID hammered the buffet scene, are the iconic Vegas buffets finally back?