This week, actress Diane Keaton died, Alaska is dealing with the effects of Typhoon Halong, Indiana University’s student newspaper was ordered to stop printing and the U.S. government is still shut down. Here are our picks for the top stories of the week.
U.S.
Journalists turn in access badges, exit Pentagon rather than agree to new reporting rules (AP)
Dozens of journalists left the Pentagon on Wednesday, turning in their access badges rather than agreeing to new restrictions imposed by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth that limit what they can report.
The rules would allow the Defense Department to expel reporters for publishing information not approved by Hegseth, even if it isn’t classified. Nearly all major news outlets, like The Associated Press, The New York Times and Fox News, rejected the rules, saying they undermine press freedom. Only One America News Network agreed to the new terms.
President Donald Trump backed the restrictions, calling the press “very dishonest” and “disruptive.”
About 40 to 50 reporters vacated their offices that they had held for years, but many still vowed to continue reporting on the U.S. military, despite the loss of access.
International
Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado wins the Nobel Peace Prize (AP)
Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado won the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize for her efforts to restore democracy in Venezuela under President Nicolás Maduro’s authoritarian rule.
The Nobel Committee said she is “keeping the flame of democracy burning amid a growing darkness.”
Maduro, who has ruled Venezuela since 2013, has consolidated power through disputed elections, imprisoned political opponents and violently suppressed protests.
Machado, once a presidential candidate herself, has continued pushing for free and fair elections despite being banned from running, targeted by authorities, and forced into hiding.
Local
Matt Rhule says he loves his job at Nebraska but doesn’t tamp down buzz about Penn State opening (AP)
After the firing of Penn State football’s head coach, James Franklin, on Sunday, many speculated that Huskers head coach Matt Rhule would fill the job.
Rhule was a walk-on linebacker at Penn State from 1994-97, met his wife at the school and is close friends with athletic director Pat Kraft.
“I absolutely love it here [Nebraska],” Rhule said in a press conference on Monday. “And I just want us to continue to take the steps needed for us to turn this thing into a beast and have players all across the country want to come here with the best facilities. We have elite fans…I love that place (Penn State), I love Pat, I love James Franklin and am sad that came to an end. I wish him the absolute best. But I’m really happy here.”
No coach has been announced for Penn State yet.
GEHS
Football beats Elkhorn North, cross country qualifies for State
The varsity football team beat Elkhorn North 35-23 at an away game last night.
The boys cross country team and two girls from the girls team qualified for State at the District meet at Skutt yesterday.
Sports
Indiana announces new 8-year contract with coach Curt Cignetti worth nearly $93 million (AP)
Indiana University has signed football coach Curt Cignetti to a new eight-year, $92.8 million contract. The deal, averaging $11.6 million per year, makes him one of the nation’s highest-paid coaches. He led the Hoosiers to the College Football Playoff for the first time and was rewarded by being named AP Coach of the Year last season.
Entertainment
Taylor Swift Bringing Six-Episode ‘Eras Tour’ Documentary and ‘Final Show’ Concert Film to Disney+ in December (Variety)
Taylor Swift announced Monday that a six-part docuseries, “Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour | The End of an Era,” will premiere on Disney+ on Dec. 12, along with the release of a new concert film, “Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour | The Final Show,” shot at the tour finale in Vancouver, B.C. The new concert movie will contain the “The Tortured Poets Department” portion of the concert, not in her previous concert movie from 2023.
Caught our attention
Food assistance is safe through October, but it may be at risk if the shutdown continues (AP)
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which provides food aid to about 40 million Americans, is guaranteed funding through October but could face disruptions in November if the federal government shutdown continues. The U.S. Department of Agriculture, which oversees SNAP, has instructed states not to send the electronic files needed to load November benefits onto EBT cards, meaning next month’s payments may be at risk. Some states have already stopped approving new applications and warned recipients that benefits may not be issued.
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.
