This week, a rare moment of peace emerged in Gaza, the U.S. government shutdown disrupted travel, an Omaha police officer was shot in the head and more happened. Here are our picks for the top stories of the week.
U.S.
Trump administration threatens no back pay for federal workers in shutdown (AP)
President Trump’s administration announced that federal workers are not guaranteed to get paid for the time they miss during the government shutdown, even after it ends. This reverses a long-standing policy and contradicts a 2019 law Trump himself signed, guaranteeing retroactive pay. A memo from the Office of Management and Budget argued that while the law authorizes back pay, Congress must still approve funding for it in future legislation.
Trump defended the move, saying back pay “depends on who we’re talking about,” and House Speaker Mike Johnson framed it as motivation for Democrats to compromise. This dispute adds to the broader standoff in Washington, where lawmakers have yet to end the government shutdown over health care funding and other budget issues.
International
Israeli Cabinet approves Trump’s plan for Gaza ceasefire and release of hostages held by Hamas (AP)
Israel and Hamas agreed to pause their two-year war yesterday as part of Trump’s peace plan. However, uncertainty still remains, such as whether and how Hamas will disarm and who will govern Gaza.
Under the terms, Hamas will release all living hostages, and the Israeli military will withdraw from the majority of Gaza. Trump’s plan also envisions an eventual role for the Palestinian Authority.
This marks the third ceasefire of the Israel-Hamas war since Israel ended the most recent ceasefire, which started in January, with a surprise bombardment in March.
Local
Former President Biden to speak at Nebraska Democratic Party event in Omaha (WOWT)
Former President Joe Biden will speak at the annual Ben Nelson Gala on Nov. 7.
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear and U.S. Capitol Police Officer Harry Dunn will also speak at the event.
GEHS
Girls’ golf wins district championship, qualifies for State
The girls’ golf team is headed to State on Oct. 13 and 14 after their District B-3 championship win on Oct. 7. At the district meet at the Golf Club at Table Creek, they also shot a school record of 323.
Sports
Ex-NFL QB Mark Sanchez faces felony in fight that authorities say was over parking (AP)
Former NFL quarterback and Fox Sports analyst Mark Sanchez has been charged with felony battery after a fight over a parking spot in Indianapolis left a 69-year-old man seriously injured on Saturday, Oct. 4. Police say Sanchez, who appeared intoxicated, confronted the man, leading to a brawl where Sanchez was pepper-sprayed and stabbed. Both parties are in stable condition. The incident is still under investigation, with officials noting Indiana’s strong self-defense laws could affect whether the truck driver faces charges.
Entertainment
Dolly Parton responds to concerns about her health: ‘I’m not dying’ (AP)
After a Facebook post from her sister saying she had been “up all night praying” for Dolly Parton, rumors circulated about the 79-year-old singer’s health. On Wednesday, Oct. 8, the country singer took to Instagram to clear things up.
“There are just a lot of rumors flying around. But I figured if you heard it from me, you’d know that I was okay. I’m not ready to die yet. I don’t think God is through with me. And I ain’t done working,” Parton said in a video.
Caught our attention
Trump says Illinois governor and Chicago mayor should be jailed as they oppose Guard deployment (AP)
On Wednesday, Oct. 8, Trump said the Chicago mayor, Brandon Johnson, and Illinois governor, JB Pritzker, should be jailed for their opposition to the deployment of National Guard troops for his immigration and crime crackdown in Chicago.
National Guard troops are positioned outside Chicago, despite a lawsuit by the state and city to block the deployment.
Trump has called Chicago a “hellhole,” though police statistics show significant drops in most crimes, including homicides.
“This is not the first time Trump has tried to have a Black man unjustly arrested. I’m not going anywhere,” Johnson wrote on X.
“I will not back down. Trump is now calling for the arrest of elected representatives checking his power. What else is left on the path to full-blown authoritarianism?” Pritzer also posted on X.
Have a great weekend, Griffins. Thank you for staying informed.
Please note that our recap highlights a small collection of stories selected by the Wingspan staff for our Gretna East and Gretna community audience. Also, because this article is published on Friday mornings, major news events over the weekend may be covered in the following edition.
