The Coming Fight: In a rare moment of agreement, House leaders from both parties voted to train and arm Syrian rebels to fight the Islamic State extremists in Syria and Iraq. Some dissenters said it was a step toward re-entering war in the Middle East, but 159 Republicans and 114 Democrats voted for the bill.

ISIS in Australia: Police in Sydney carried out raids to break up what they said was an Islamic Sate plot to carry out random killings, including a public beheading. The raids by 800 heavily armed produced 15 arrests. Prime Minister Tony Abbott said, “Direct exhortations were coming from an Australian who is apparently quite senior in ISIL (Islamic State) to networks of support back in Australia to conduct demonstration killings here in this country.”

The Football Business: Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston, the Heisman Trophy winner who’s been in trouble before, was suspended for the first half of the team’s next game against Clemson for a sophomoric incident in which he shouted a sexual obscenity in the middle of the student union. It was one of those stupid college things except it involved a national football figure at a time of controversy over how football players treat women.

Winston has previously been investigated for rape and admitted shoplifting $32 worth of crab legs from a supermarket. Winston apologized about his student union stupidity and said, “We’re going to think about moving forward and winning the game.” And to add to the troubles of the National Football League, running back Jonathan Dwyer of the Arizona Cardinals has been arrested in connection with two accusations of domestic abuse at his home in July. The victims are said to be a 27-year-old woman and an 18-month-old child. Dwyer has been de-activated by the Cardinals.

United Kingdom: The polls opened at 7 this morning as Scottish voters cast their ballots “yes” or “no” on a single question, “Should Scotland be an independent country?”

Up North: Toronto Mayor Rob Ford, whose drug and alcohol antics have been fodder for late night comics, has been diagnosed with an aggressive cancerous tumor in his abdomen. Ford’s doctor described it as a “very rare tumor and a very difficult tumor.” Ford gave up his re-election campaign and his brother is running in his place.

Love to Hate: Americans distrust the news media more than ever, according to a new Gallup poll. Only 40 percent of Americans say they the media reports the news “fully, accurately, and fairly.” Gallup says the social media are eroding trust in what are known as the “mainstream” media. We assume everyone trusts The Rooney Report.

Lane Change: Thousands of Los Angeles area drivers were fined on Aug. 18 for driving in the express pay lanes without the proper transponder. The fine was as little as $1 but could go up to $56 if not paid by Oct. 9. The reason so many drivers were in the express lane without paying … they were avoiding a rolling gunfight between the cops and a car occupied by two bad guys. Authorities say the fines will be forgiven but not the two gunmen.

Double Half Cap: Starbucks is testing a new 10 oz. drink they describe as the “Mini.” The Mini would be bigger than the 8 oz. “Short,” but smaller than the 12 oz. “Tall,” which is shorter than the 16 oz. “Grande.” What’s commonly known as “a cup of coffee” is not on the menu.

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