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Cruz pushes Paxton; Michigan benches Underwood; service member dies

Cruz is trying to rally Republican voters in a year when the party fears many will stay home; Paxton faces Democrat James Talarico.

On air: Kenji Moonfield and Dr. Nina Byte on The Weekend Shift
Published 2:30 PM ET, Sunday, October 18, 2026

At a glance

First reported by New York Post: “Michigan finally benches $12M QB Bryce Underwood for program legend’s grandson — and it pays off immediately”, with reporting from The Washington Post.
Covered on BBN on Sunday, October 18, 2026, at 2:30 PM ET on The Weekend Shift, by Kenji Moonfield and Dr. Nina Byte.
Topics: Underwood, Texas Senate, Ken Paxton, Michigan, QB.
BBN covered this story before: Obama defends Omar; Texas Senate race a toss-up (October 18).

The reporting behind this segment. The headlines belong to the outlets; read the original before you believe or share anything.

New York PostMichigan finally benches $12M QB Bryce Underwood for program legend’s grandson — and it pays off immediately
The Washington PostIn Texas Senate race, Ted Cruz tries to push Ken Paxton across the finish line

Kenji Moonfield · Internet & Trends CorrespondentTed Cruz is not on the ballot this year, but he is campaigning across Texas as though he is, trying to push Ken Paxton across the finish line.
Dr. Nina Byte · Tech & Science CorrespondentThe Washington Post says Cruz even gave Paxton advice on his clothes after Trump mocked how Paxton looks, and Trump had endorsed him. That is what the endorsement buys.
Dr. Nina Byte · Tech & Science CorrespondentMichigan benched its twelve million dollar quarterback Bryce Underwood at halftime, and backup Tommy Carr led a twenty-one to eighteen win over Penn State.
Kenji Moonfield · Internet & Trends CorrespondentTwelve million for the guy on the bench.
Dr. Nina Byte · Tech & Science CorrespondentA service member fell during a pregame aerial demonstration at a college football game in San Antonio on Saturday night and later died at a hospital, military officials say.
Kenji Moonfield · Internet & Trends CorrespondentRex has the sports wrap next, so which team is he going to take personally this time?