This week, Bad Bunny was announced as the Super Bowl LX halftime performer, the government shut down and more happened. Here are our picks for the top stories of the week.
U.S.
Why the US government has shut down and what happens now (BBC)
The government shut down on Wednesday, Oct. 1, after lawmakers failed to agree on a new budget. Some government services are temporarily suspended, and 40% of the federal workforce, about 750,000 people, are expected to be put on unpaid leave.
The budget dispute stems from Democrats pushing for an extension of expiring tax credits, which make health insurance cheaper for millions of Americans, and for a reversal of Trump’s cuts to Medicaid, while Republicans aim to cut federal spending even further.
Trump’s administration has suggested using this shutdown as an opportunity to lay off “non-essential” government workers.
Currently, there is no end in sight. In Trump’s first term, there were three shutdowns, including a 35-day one, making it the longest in history.
Learn more about what a government shutdown is here.
International
Earthquake death toll rises to 72 in the Philippines as survivors recall moment when tragedy struck (AP)
A 6.9 magnitude earthquake hit the Philippines on Tuesday, Sept. 30. The death toll is currently 72, with 360 injured, but disaster officials say more than 170,000 people were affected.
Local
Former Des Moines superintendent who was detained by ICE federally charged (AP)
Former Des Moines Public Schools Superintendent Ian Roberts has been charged with being an “illegal alien in possession of firearms” after ICE found multiple loaded guns in his car and home. Roberts, a native of Guyana, overstayed his visa in 2004 and was ordered deported in 2024. He resigned last week after being detained. Since his arrest, questions have surfaced about his past, including falsifying his resume and a restraining order. The school board said it was unaware of his immigration issues at the time of his hiring.
GEHS
Food drive kicks off next week
Student Council and the Character In Action (CIA) club are teaming up to host the annual food drive for Gretna Neighbors next week. Students can drop off donations at the front office or bring them to their AEP classroom. The AEP with the most donations will receive a prize.
Monday: Canned Food Day
Tuesday: Toiletry and Household Item Day
Wednesday: ‘What’s for Dinner?’ Day
Thursday: Baked Box Good Day
Friday: Everything
Sports
Kaprizov’s 8-year, $136 million contract shows financial stability in NHL (NHL)
On Tuesday, Sept. 30, the Minnesota Wild hockey team signed 28-year-old Kirill Kaprizov for $136 million on an eight-year contract beginning in the 2026-2027 season.
When asked if this was the most important deal in Wild history, general manager Bill Guerin said, “Yes, very much so.”
Entertainment
ICE officers to attend Super Bowl after Bad Bunny announcement, Lewandowski says (The Hill)
Bad Bunny was announced as the Super Bowl LX halftime performer on Sunday, Sept. 28. Immigration and Customs Enforcement will attend the event, according to Corey Lewandowski, an adviser at the Department of Homeland Security.
“There is nowhere that you can provide safe haven to people in this country illegally. Not the Super Bowl and nowhere else,” Lewandowski said
The Puerto Rican musician had previously expressed concerns over ICE, even skipping the U.S. entirely on his current tour because of it.
Bad Bunny is still set to perform at Levi’s Stadium on Feb. 8, 2026.
Caught our attention
One Direction Stars Louis Tomlinson, Zayn Malik Have Reunited for Netflix Road Trip Series (Hollywood Reporter)
Former One Direction members Louis Tomlinson and Zayn Malik are reuniting for a 3-part Netflix road trip documentary releasing in 2026. The series will follow the two as they travel across the U.S., reflect on their careers, and open up about life, fatherhood and the loss of bandmate Liam Payne, who died in 2024.