On today's episode:

• How the government shutdown will affect student loans, FAFSA and the Education Dept.
• At least 69 people killed in a powerful earthquake that hit the Philippines.
• The Taliban government in Afghanistan rejects reports of a nationwide internet ban.
• Hurricanes Humberto and Imelda charge toward Bermuda as the tiny island prepares.
• Government shutdown begins as nation faces new period of uncertainty.
• Court disqualifies Trump-appointed US attorney in Nevada from overseeing multiple criminal cases.
• Trump pulls nomination of E.J. Antoni to lead Bureau of Labor Statistics, AP source says.
• FBI boss Kash Patel gave New Zealand officials 3D-printed guns illegal to possess under local laws.
• Trump calls for using US cities as 'training ground' for military in unusual speech to generals.
• Judge finds Trump administration unconstitutionally targeted noncitizens over Gaza war protests.
• Nicole Kidman files for divorce from Keith Urban after 19 years of marriage.
• Record 13th Florida execution this year carried out on man convicted of killing a couple.
• Wall Street yawns at DC's looming shutdown as the Dow sets another record.
• US consumer confidence declines again as Americans fret over prices, job market.
• Shohei Ohtani jump-starts the Dodgers’ World Series title defense, the Cubs, Tigers and Red Sox also win their wild-card openers, Las Vegas punches its ticket back to the WNBA Finals against Phoenix, and a record contract extension in the NHL. 
• MLB spending disparity on display in playoffs as $509 million Dodgers take on $121 million Reds.
• Napheesa Collier tells of private chat with Engelbert that she said exposed a problematic leader.
• Indonesian rescue workers 'racing against time' in search for dozens in rubble of collapsed school.
• Strong earthquake in central Philippines sends people out of homes and sparks local tsunami warning.
• Germany's chancellor Friedrich Merz says President Donald Trump's plan is the best chance for ending the war between Israel and Hamas.
• Ukrainian detained in Poland over 2022 Nord Stream gas pipeline explosions.

—The Associated Press

About this program

Host Terry Lipshetz is managing editor of the national newsroom for Lee Enterprises. Besides producing the daily Hot off the Wire news podcast, Terry conducts periodic interviews for this Behind the Headlines program, co-hosts the Streamed & Screened movies and television program and is the former producer of Across the Sky, a podcast dedicated to weather and climate.

Theme music

The News Tonight, used under license from Soundstripe. YouTube clearance: ZR2MOTROGI4XAHRX