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Qatar's prime minister has expressed readiness to continue mediation efforts to end the Gaza war after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu apologized for a September 9 airstrike in Doha that killed a Qatari security officer. During a trilateral call with US President Trump, Netanyahu expressed regret for violating Qatar's sovereignty and promised not to conduct such strikes again. This reconciliation occurred just before Trump announced a new 20-point plan to end the Gaza conflict, which Netanyahu supported along with eight Arab and Muslim states including Qatar. The apology has triggered fierce criticism within Israel, with both coalition and opposition politicians condemning Netanyahu's "grovelling" to Qatar.

President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth are set to address hundreds of top U.S. military leaders at Marine Corps Base Quantico near Washington DC in an unusual large-scale gathering. The summit, announced with short notice and without official explanation, has sparked speculation despite Trump describing it as "a very nice meeting" to discuss military matters and build "esprit de corps." Security is extremely tight for the event, which has drawn criticism from some observers like NATO Military Committee Chair Giuseppe Cavo Dragone and analyst Mark Cancian who questioned why such a meeting wasn't conducted virtually. The gathering includes over 800 officers from installations worldwide, organized by service branches in the auditorium.

The U.S. government faces an imminent shutdown at midnight Tuesday unless Republicans and Democrats can reach an agreement on a spending bill. Democrats are leveraging their Senate position to demand healthcare policy changes, including extending tax credits that reduce insurance costs and reversing Trump's Medicaid cuts. This shutdown threat is particularly significant as the Trump administration has spent nine months drastically reducing government size and appears willing to use a shutdown to identify "non-essential" workers for permanent removal. If no agreement is reached, essential services like border protection and air traffic control would continue, while programs such as food assistance and national parks would be curtailed.

The United States is facing an imminent government shutdown as President Donald Trump and Democratic congressional leaders remain deeply divided on funding conditions. After an unproductive White House meeting, positions hardened further when Trump shared an inflammatory AI video mocking Democratic leadership, drawing angry responses. Republicans are seeking a short-term extension of current spending levels while maintaining their unilateral budget cuts, while Democrats are demanding an end to these independent cuts and renewal of health insurance subsidies for low-income Americans. The political standoff is intensified by Republican threats to use a shutdown to permanently eliminate "nonessential" government positions and programs, though Democrats consider this intimidation.

The African Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa), a critical U.S. trade law that has granted duty-free access for African goods to U.S. markets for 25 years, is set to expire on Tuesday, creating uncertainty for thousands of workers and businesses across Africa. At Shona EPZ, a garment factory in Nairobi that employs 700 people and produces sportswear for the American market, production has already slumped to about one-third of normal capacity as buyers hesitate on long-term orders. Kenya alone exported $470 million worth of clothing to the U.S. in 2024, supporting over 66,000 direct jobs, with three-quarters held by women. While the White House has reportedly indicated support for a one-year extension, African leaders are lobbying intensely for at least a short-term renewal to allow for transition mechanisms while also exploring alternatives such as bilateral deals and increased intra-African trade.

Donald Trump has proposed a comprehensive 20-point peace plan to end the Gaza war that has been accepted by Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, while Hamas has yet to respond. The plan outlines conditions for a "deradicalized terror-free" Gaza governed temporarily by a Palestinian technocratic committee under international oversight from a "Board of Peace" chaired by Trump himself. Key provisions include the immediate end to military operations, return of all hostages within 72 hours of Israel's acceptance, release of Palestinian prisoners, full humanitarian aid access, and the establishment of an International Stabilization Force to maintain security as Israeli forces withdraw. The plan also includes economic development initiatives and a pathway toward potential Palestinian statehood following reforms.

President Trump has unveiled a 20-point proposal aimed at ending the Gaza war, calling it potentially one of the greatest diplomatic achievements in history. The plan represents a shift in the US position on Gaza's future and applies increased pressure on Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu while addressing some Arab concerns. The framework calls for a ceasefire, Israeli military withdrawal, hostage exchanges, and the creation of a "Board of Peace" to oversee Gaza temporarily. However, despite Trump's characterization as a complete deal, the proposal leaves many crucial details unresolved and faces potential resistance from both Netanyahu's coalition and Hamas, whose early reactions suggest skepticism about the plan's protection of Palestinian interests.

Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban have separated after nearly 20 years of marriage according to BBC sources, confirming TMZ's initial report that the couple has been living apart since summer. The Oscar-winning actress and four-time Grammy-winning country singer, who married in June 2006 and have two teenage daughters, have supported each other through professional achievements and personal challenges, including Urban's rehabilitation for addiction shortly after their wedding. Despite the separation, which sources claim Kidman does not want, the couple was seen together publicly as recently as June at a FIFA match and in May at the Academy of Country Music Awards where they appeared affectionate.

YouTube has agreed to pay $24.5 million to settle a lawsuit filed by Donald Trump after the platform suspended his account following the January 6, 2021 Capitol riot. This settlement from Alphabet follows similar agreements reached with X/Twitter and Meta/Facebook, which also paid Trump for suspending his accounts amid claims of political bias against conservative voices. As part of the agreement, YouTube will direct $22 million to the Trust for the National Mall, a non-profit raising funds for a White House ballroom, with an additional $2.5 million going to other organizations involved in Trump's lawsuit. The settlement occurs as major tech companies have adopted a more conciliatory approach toward Trump, with platform executives attending his inauguration and loosening content moderation policies that Republicans had criticized.

The U.S. federal government has shut down after Congress failed to reach a funding agreement beyond September 30, despite last-minute negotiations between congressional leaders and President Trump. Republicans support a "clean" short-term funding bill through November 21, while Democrats want to address expiring Affordable Care Act subsidies and reverse Medicaid changes from Trump's tax law. If not renewed, the ACA's Enhanced Premium Tax Credits will expire, potentially causing premium increases of over 75% for recipients. The shutdown will impact various federal agencies and services, with particular concerns for health programs, nutrition assistance, and early education support that serve lower-income families. # Who is affected * Federal government workers (approximately 2.2 million civilian employees) who may be furloughed or required to work without immediate pay * Recipients of Affordable Care Act subsidies who could face premium increases of over 75% if Enhanced Premium Tax Credits expire * Approximately 42 million lower-income SNAP recipients who may face disruptions if the shutdown extends beyond mid-October * Nearly 7 million WIC program recipients, with new applicants being unable to enroll beginning October 1 * Approximately 7,500 children served by eight Head Start programs whose funding expired on October 1 * Areas with high concentrations of federal workers, particularly the Washington D.C. area with about 350,000 federal employees * National park visitors and staff, with services reduced despite continued access to parks # What action is being taken * Congressional leaders and President Trump are engaging in negotiations to resolve funding disputes * Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer is consulting with Democrats about a possible 7-10 day spending bill if a shutdown is triggered * The White House budget office is directing federal agencies to prepare for mass layoffs * Government agencies are determining which functions are essential and will continue during the shutdown * Mandatory spending programs like Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security are continuing despite the shutdown # Why it matters * This is the first government shutdown since early 2019 and comes after the Trump administration already made significant cuts to federal programs and staff * The shutdown threatens the continuation of ACA subsidies that expanded healthcare access by removing income caps for eligibility * Critical nutrition programs like SNAP and WIC face potential disruption, particularly for new applicants * The shutdown has economic impacts, particularly in regions with high concentrations of federal workers like Washington D.C., which previously lost up to $12 million weekly during the 2019 shutdown * Social benefits like Social Security and Medicare may experience delays for new beneficiaries and reduced support services * Eight Head Start programs serving approximately 7,500 children immediately lost funding when the shutdown began # What's next No explicit next steps stated in the article.

Michigan Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist publicly condemned Israel's actions in Gaza at an Arab American conference, calling it genocide and pledging not to accept money from pro-Israel lobby AIPAC in his gubernatorial campaign. His stance marks a significant break from other Democratic candidates in Michigan, where a large Arab American community and Jewish population coexist. Gilchrist criticized using American taxpayer dollars to fund weapons while Palestinian civilians suffer, positioning himself differently from fellow gubernatorial candidates Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson. His comments come as Michigan Democrats face internal division over the Israel-Gaza conflict following Hamas' October 2023 attack and Israel's subsequent military campaign.

A deadly attack occurred at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc, Michigan, when Thomas Jacob Sanford, a 40-year-old former Marine, crashed his vehicle into the building, opened fire on congregants, and set the church ablaze during a Sunday service. The incident killed four people and injured eight others before police killed the suspect in a shootout less than 10 minutes after the attack began. Officials described the shooting as a "targeted act of violence" but are still investigating the motive, with the White House press secretary suggesting Sanford "hated people of the Mormon faith." Investigators have interviewed over 100 victims and witnesses and discovered makeshift explosive devices at the scene.

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser expressed concerns about the District's economic vulnerability during a Congressional Black Caucus Foundation fireside chat, highlighting how potential government shutdowns disproportionately impact D.C. residents. She emphasized the need to shift the District's economy away from federal government dependence while simultaneously fighting against congressional encroachment on D.C.'s home rule. Recent House legislation threatening District autonomy has advanced with some Democratic support, potentially allowing presidential control of judicial appointments and changes to criminal justice policies. Bowser and other Black mayors discussed strategies to protect their cities' interests while advocating for D.C. statehood as the ultimate solution to prevent federal interference.

The Young and Prosperous program hosted a two-hour Silent Auction event on September 25, 2025, in San Diego, bringing together community members, sponsors, and youth advocates. The evening featured a welcome introduction by Tamara, sponsor recognition by Hope, and a Youth Recognitions segment led by Ana and Tamara honoring thirteen student standouts. Following a networking session and the silent auction, which closed at 7 p.m. with results announced shortly after, the event concluded with Tamara's closing remarks about upcoming events and ways to support the program.

of the California Intergenerational Mentoring Initiative The California Commission on Aging (CCoA) and Eldera have launched a statewide initiative recruiting Californians aged 60 and older to serve as virtual mentors for children ages 6-17. The program matches older adults with young people for weekly 30-60 minute conversations designed to build resilience, reduce loneliness, and strengthen communities. Participants undergo training and background checks before being matched based on interests, language, and availability, with safety ensured through Eldera's oversight and "AI Chaperone" tool. The campaign emphasizes the importance of human connection in an increasingly digital age, with the tagline "One adult 60+. One hour. Once a week. Two lives get better."

Assata Shakur, a former Black Panther Party and Black Liberation Army leader who escaped prison and lived in Cuban exile for nearly 50 years, has died on September 25, leaving a profound impact on activists who viewed her as a revolutionary symbol of liberation. Journalist Thandisizwe Chimurenga shared her personal grief on Black Press USA's "Let It Be Known" morning news show, highlighting Shakur's role as a "warrior queen mother" who inspired generations through her writings and famous declarations like "It is our duty to fight for our freedom." While many admirers mourned her as a freedom fighter who remained free from the U.S. criminal justice system until her death, others, including FBI officials, continued to condemn her as a convicted murderer of a New Jersey State Trooper, reflecting deep divisions in how her legacy is perceived in America.

Assata Shakur, a former Black Panther and Black Liberation Army member who escaped from a U.S. prison in 1979 while serving a life sentence for killing a police officer, has died in Havana at age 78 due to health issues and advanced age. Shakur had been living in Cuba since 1984 after being granted political asylum by Fidel Castro, with her case becoming a symbol of the strained U.S.-Cuba relations as American authorities repeatedly demanded her return. Though the FBI listed her as a "most wanted terrorist" and New Jersey officials maintained she killed State Trooper Werner Foerster in a 1973 gunfight, Shakur consistently claimed her innocence and became an influential figure for the Black Lives Matter movement. New Jersey officials expressed disappointment that "justice was never served," while Black Lives Matter Grassroots Inc. vowed to continue fighting in her memory.

Former Vice President Kamala Harris has embarked on a book tour for "107 Days," which chronicles her presidential campaign after President Biden dropped out of the race. The book has generated mixed reactions, with some Democratic operatives criticizing it as unnecessarily relitigating the 2024 election, while it's already in its fifth printing due to strong sales. Harris addresses criticisms in exclusive interviews with CNN, explaining she wrote the book to contextualize the current political moment rather than out of nostalgia. At 60 years old, Harris is now navigating her post-White House identity, connecting with supporters at events while expressing concerns about America's direction under Trump's presidency.

President Donald Trump has threatened to impose substantial tariffs on countries that don't manufacture furniture in the United States, following his earlier announcement of 50% tariffs on kitchen cabinets and bathroom vanities and 30% on upholstered furniture set to take effect this week. The implementation details remain unclear since furniture is manufactured by businesses rather than countries, though the post suggests a tariff structure potentially based on furniture export volumes to the U.S. Furniture prices have already increased in recent months following Trump's tariff hikes on China and Vietnam, which are the top sources of imported furniture to the U.S., with prices rising 4.7% compared to August 2024, marking the largest increase in three years. Trump claims these measures aim to help North Carolina, which he says has "completely lost its furniture business to China, and other countries."

The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation's annual awards dinner featured direct commentary about the challenges facing Black Americans and democracy. Vice President Kamala Harris, one of three honorees alongside Angela Rye and Jotaka Eaddy, criticized Republicans' long-term strategy to consolidate power and rejected the idea that a single individual could save democracy. Maryland Governor Wes Moore emphasized collective power rather than presidential authority, while discussions throughout CBC Week centered on developing strategies against perceived threats to democracy under Trump's administration. The event occurred as the federal government faces a potential shutdown and more federal employee dismissals.

The US is considering Ukraine's request for long-range Tomahawk missiles, which could strike targets up to 1,500 miles away, potentially bringing Moscow within range. Vice President JD Vance indicated that President Trump would make the final decision, amid signals of a shifting US stance toward supporting Ukraine more aggressively. Ukrainian officials argue that the ability to strike deep into Russia would force Moscow to negotiate peace by raising the cost of continuing the war. Meanwhile, Ukraine faces intensifying Russian aerial attacks, with a recent 12-hour assault leaving four dead and 70 injured in Kyiv, highlighting Ukraine's urgent need for additional air defense systems like Patriots to protect its cities.

Oscar-winning costume designer Ruth E. Carter has partnered with Pensole Lewis College of Business and Design (PLC Detroit) to launch the Apparel Creation STU/DEO by adidas, unveiled during the National Black Footwear Forum. Carter, the first Black woman to win multiple Academy Awards for her costume design work on films like "Black Panther," aims to provide mentorship and creative opportunities for aspiring designers. The studio, designed with contributions from PLC Detroit students Angel Buckens and Rodney Banks and featuring a mural by Detroit artist Sydney G. James, represents a collaboration between an iconic designer, the only design-focused HBCU in the country, and adidas to nurture the next generation of design talent.

Michigan has expanded its reentry ID program to Wayne County, ensuring people leaving the county jail can obtain driver's licenses or state identification cards upon release. The program, operating since 2020, has already provided identification to approximately 20,000 individuals exiting Michigan prisons and jails. Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson emphasized that having an ID is critical for accessing employment, housing, and educational opportunities after incarceration. This expansion addresses a significant barrier to reentry in Wayne County, where about 60 percent of jail inmates lacked valid identification, and is particularly impactful for Detroit's Black community, which is disproportionately affected by incarceration.

Russell M. Nelson, the 101-year-old president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, died Saturday in Salt Lake City. As a revered prophet and the oldest serving head of the church, Nelson implemented significant policy changes during his leadership, including rolling back anti-LGBT policies, severing ties with the Boy Scouts, and campaigning against nicknames like "Mormon" for the faith. Before his religious leadership, Nelson had a distinguished career as a surgeon who pioneered open-heart surgery techniques in Utah. His presidency, which began in 2018, was marked by global ministry and increased temple construction, with Nelson visiting 32 countries and announcing 200 new temples.

A violent attack occurred at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc, Michigan, when 40-year-old Thomas Jacob Sanford drove a vehicle into the building during Sunday services, opened fire with an assault-style rifle, and started a fire, resulting in at least four deaths and eight injuries. The assailant, a Marine Corps veteran, was killed by police within eight minutes of beginning his rampage, which authorities are investigating as an "act of targeted violence" though the motive remains unclear. The attack caused extensive fire damage to the church building, which was attended by hundreds of people at the time. FBI and local authorities have responded with 100 FBI agents deployed to assist with the investigation, while also addressing and clearing additional bomb threats at multiple other locations.

Amir Amiry, a US citizen who was detained by the Taliban in Afghanistan for nine months, has been released following negotiations led by Qatar. He is the fifth American freed from Afghanistan this year and was traveling back to the United States as of Sunday. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio thanked Qatar for their diplomatic efforts while noting that other US citizens remain unjustly detained in Afghanistan. Qatar's foreign ministry facilitated the release after months of negotiations, which included arranging a meeting between Amiry and US hostage envoy Adam Boehler, with a breakthrough occurring this weekend.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams has withdrawn from his re-election campaign five weeks before the election, citing media speculation and lack of public matching funds as key factors hampering his campaign. Adams, who was originally elected as a Democrat in 2022 but was running as an independent this time, had been indicted on bribery and fraud charges that were later dismissed by the Trump administration. The race now narrows to Democrat Zohran Mamdani, former governor Andrew Cuomo, and Republican Curtis Sliwa, with Adams declining to endorse any candidate but warning against "those who claim the answer to destroy the very system we built together." Adams' popularity had declined due to corruption allegations, immigration policy disputes, and public frustration with rising living costs in the city.

A shooter killed three people and injured several others after firing from a boat outside the American Fish Company at Southport Yacht Basin in North Carolina on Saturday evening around 21:30 local time. The attacker fled by boat but was apprehended approximately 30 minutes later by the US Coast Guard in Oak Island, about 12 miles from the scene. Southport Police Chief Todd Coring described the event as "a very tragic night" for their small community of under 4,000 people, where "everybody knows everybody." After initially urging residents to remain in their homes during the active shooter investigation, officials later stated they believed there were no additional threats to the community.

Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco were married on September 27, 2025, in a ceremony held in Santa Barbara, California with approximately 170 guests in attendance, including celebrities Taylor Swift, Paul Rudd, Steve Martin, and Martin Short. The couple, who got engaged in December 2024 after dating for a year, had previously collaborated on multiple music projects before their romantic relationship began. Their professional relationship included work on hits like "Same Old Love" and "Kill Em with Kindness," and they recently released an album titled "I Said I Love You First" in March that chronicles their romance. Both Gomez and Blanco have established careers in the entertainment industry, with Gomez known for her Disney Channel role and music career, while Blanco is recognized as a producer who has worked with numerous high-profile artists.

Venezuela is mobilizing its National Bolivarian Militia, primarily composed of senior citizens, in response to recent US naval deployments in the South Caribbean. President Nicolás Maduro has called the militia to active duty after US forces destroyed three boats allegedly carrying drugs from Venezuela, killing at least 17 people. This escalation follows deteriorating US-Venezuela relations, with the Trump administration refusing to recognize Maduro's 2024 re-election and doubling the reward for his capture to $50 million. Despite military experts noting the US naval deployment isn't large enough to suggest an invasion, the Venezuelan government is conducting weapons training for militia volunteers in neighborhoods like Petare, with many elderly citizens expressing willingness to defend their country.