Overnight Briefing & General Reality Check - Jul 25, 2011

Your tax dollars at work:

Here's a novel budget-cutting strategy: Ask people to work free of charge.
Congress failed to approve a stop-gap funding measure for the FAA when Florida Republican and House Transportation Committee Chairman JOHN MICA tacked a budget cut onto the normally straightforward bill. He proposed ending federal subsidies for air service to small airports in rural areas. The Senate refused to pass the bill and then Congress adjourned.
Result: More than 4-thousand FAA workers and tens of thousands of airport construction workers face immediate furlough or work without pay. The FAA says the furlough won't affect the safety of air travel, but that many of the agency's functions and its ability to collect tax revenue will grind to a halt. (Maiman)

Culture Shock:

As the historic gay-marriage law went into effect in New York yesterday, state officials were there to marry all 823 couples --gay and straight-- who applied to get hitched on the first day.
The couples entered a lottery last week. New York, with 19.4 million residents, is the sixth and most populous state to legalize gay marriage. Clerks' office in New York City are typically closed on Sundays, but are opened yesterday in honor of the law.
Gay marriage is also a boost for the state economy. It's expected to bring nearly $400 million to New York over the next three years.
If gay marriage was legalized nationwide, it's estimated it would add $9.5 billion annually to the economy. (Maiman)

Sucks to be you:

LINDSAY LOHAN is having a tough time landing a solid movie role. Sources tell AbsoluteNow.com the rehabbed redhead has been offered a number of parts, but most of them are in B-films that require nudity. Lilo hasn't given up her dream of becoming a "serious actress" and desperately wants to show the world her true talent. (Lee)

On the Beat:

Cops in Sweden investigated a guy on the beach for doing yoga in a thong bikini.
According to The Local, witnesses were offended by the man's slinky and revealing outfit, not to mention the suggestive yoga positions. But, after questioning the guy, cops decided not to press charges. Some witnesses say police were overreacting by showing up in the first place.
Editor's note: You be the judge. Here's a picture of the guy. (Still)

Broadcast, cable and video news:

You'll be seeing more of Kurt, Finn and Rachel on "Glee," even after they graduate at the end of the upcoming season. At Comic-Con in San Diego over the weekend, the show's co-creator and executive producer BRAD FALCHUK said CHRIS COLFER, CORY MONTEITH and LEA MICHELE are still under contract and will appear in several episodes during the following season. Brad also revealed that the new season that begins this fall will be split up into two "mini-seasons," just like school semesters. We're also going to see JANE LYNCH as Sue Sylvester running for Congress. Her platform will include the destruction of glee clubs all over the country. (Marino)
Editor's note: this weekend's Washington Post also says a spin-off of the show, which would feature Lea Michele and Chris Colfer's characters is something they're now leaning against doing.

TV Briefs:

Comedienne LILY TOMLIN is coming back to TV --although just as a guest star. She'll be visiting the hit CBS show, "NCIS," playing Special Agent Timothy McGee's grandma, Penelope.

Off the record:

PHIL COLLINS doesn't listen to music anymore. He told the UK's Daily Telegraph that since he retired earlier this year, he no longer has any interest in music. Phil says sometimes his daughter, actress LILY COLLINS will turn him on to a new band, but that's about it. The former GENESIS frontman called it quits in March after nerve damage and back pain ruined his ability to play to drums. (Marino)