4 days ago
3
.jpeg)
What you need to know this Thursday evening – October 9, 2025.
Shutdown Stalemate Deepens as Military Families Face Missed Paychecks
The US government shutdown, now in its second week, has left Congress deadlocked and military families bracing for missed paychecks.
Senate leaders remain divided after Majority Leader John Thune’s proposal to reopen the government was rejected by Democrats, who demand guarantees on health care funding.
President Donald Trump has held firm on using the shutdown as leverage, warning of cuts to Democratic-led programs.
It has been more than a week since the government shutdown and the Senate failed again on Wednesday to advance competing spending proposals as more federal employees and the military brace for missed paychecks. https://t.co/TAb2FpxwJq pic.twitter.com/UaMxSqip9k
— FOX26 News (@KMPHFOX26) October 9, 2025
The impasse has halted federal pay and strained military households already living paycheck to paycheck, forcing many to rely on credit and aid. Local economies near major bases are slowing, and Pentagon officials warn that prolonged inaction could hurt morale and readiness across the armed forces.
Oklahoma Governor Stitt Breaks with Trump Over Deploying National Guard Across State Lines
Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt, a Republican and chair of the National Governors Association, said Thursday he opposes sending National Guard troops into other states without the receiving governor’s consent.
His stance challenges President Donald Trump’s push to deploy Guard units from Republican-led states into Democratic-run cities such as Chicago and Portland.
Stitt’s office said he supports Trump’s law enforcement goals but warned that cross-border troop deployments without state approval set “a dangerous precedent.” He suggested instead that Trump could federalize local Guard units to protect federal agents.
The comments come as Democratic governors threaten to leave the bipartisan governors’ association over its silence on the issue.
GOP Oklahoma governor criticizes Texas National Guard deployment to Illinois https://t.co/lIt88ipGzl
— POLITICO (@politico) October 9, 2025
Stitt’s position contrasts with that of Oklahoma’s Republican attorney general and 19 others who filed a court brief backing Trump’s authority to deploy National Guard troops across state lines.
US Navy and Marine Corps Mark 250th Anniversaries with Philadelphia River Parade
The US Navy and Marine Corps kicked off celebrations for their 250th anniversaries Thursday with a ship parade along the Delaware River in Philadelphia.
The event featured the USS Lassen (DDG-82), USS Billings (LCS-15), and USS Cooperstown (LCS-23), accompanied by a military flyover.
Thousands are expected to attend related festivities over the coming days, including a veterans’ reunion, downtown parade, and concert featuring Patti LaBelle and military bands.
WATCH LIVE: Ships are traveling along the Delaware River to Philadelphia and Camden to kick off the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps: https://t.co/XcWYTNIdt8 pic.twitter.com/sYVBOLLcCY
— NBC10 Philadelphia (@NBCPhiladelphia) October 9, 2025
Despite the ongoing government shutdown, organizers said commemorations are continuing both in Philadelphia and on bases worldwide.
Vice Admral John Gumbleton highlighted the milestone as the start of America’s 250th national anniversary and emphasized the vital role of service members behind every Navy and Marine Corps mission.
US Navy Removes USS Wyoming Commander Over Loss of Confidence
The US Navy has recently relieved Captain Robert Moreno, commanding officer of the ballistic missile submarine USS Wyoming (SSBN-743) Blue Crew, citing a loss of confidence in his ability to lead.
Rear Admiral Bob Wirth, commander of Submarine Group 10, made the decision, according to a Navy statement Wednesday that did not specify the circumstances.
The Navy emphasized that commanding officers are held to the highest standards of conduct and accountability.
The Wyoming is currently in port for maintenance, and Moreno has been temporarily reassigned to Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay. He took command in May 2024 and has served in the Navy since 2001, including tours aboard several submarines and at Submarine Force Atlantic.
Gunfire Erupts as Haitian Leaders Hold Rare Meeting at National Palace to Reclaim Gang-Controlled Area
Heavy gunfire broke out Thursday in downtown Port-au-Prince as Haitian Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé and members of the transitional presidential council met at the National Palace in a symbolic effort to reassert government control over an area long dominated by gangs.
Officials had gathered to approve key measures and budgets when shots rang out nearby, forcing a swift evacuation from the palace. The meeting marked the first time in years that top leaders convened there, as the site had been considered unsafe due to gang activity.
The violence underscored the fragility of recent government efforts to reclaim parts of the capital, where gangs control an estimated 90 percent of territory.
Heavy gunfire erupted in downtown Port-au-Prince on Thursday after Haiti’s leaders made the rare and defiant decision to meet at the National Palace to symbolise the retaking of an area long controlled by powerful gangs
Read more: https://t.co/se5mfKuQ6O pic.twitter.com/iERtyawseK
— TRT Afrika (@trtafrika) October 9, 2025
The incident came days after the United Nations approved the formation of a new international force to help Haiti combat gangs, following the faltering of the previous Kenya-led mission.
Israel and Hamas Reach Truce Under US-Backed Deal, But Long-Term Peace Uncertain
Israel and Hamas have reached a US-brokered agreement to pause the two-year war in Gaza, marking the most significant diplomatic breakthrough since fighting began.
The deal, pushed by the United States, Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey, calls for Hamas to release the remaining 20 living Israeli hostages and the bodies of about 28 others in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.
Israel will begin a limited troop pullback from populated areas, and humanitarian aid convoys will expand into Gaza.
The agreement leaves key issues unresolved, including Hamas’s disarmament, Israel’s full withdrawal, and the formation of a postwar governing authority for Gaza.
Despite the hopes raised for ending the war, crucial details are yet to be spelled out, including the timing, a post-war administration for the Gaza Strip and the fate of Hamas. Here’s what we know and what the main unknowns are https://t.co/PwU2c5uLpi pic.twitter.com/ndeYzXtXru
— Reuters (@Reuters) October 9, 2025
President Donald Trump’s 20-point peace plan envisions an Arab-led international security force and a transitional governing council, possibly headed by former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair.
While Israelis celebrated the release deal, Palestinians remain wary, fearing the pause may not last and reconstruction could stall without a durable political settlement.
Belgian Police Foil Suspected Drone Bomb Plot Targeting Prime Minister Bart De Wever
Belgian authorities arrested three people Thursday in Antwerp over an alleged jihadist-inspired plot to attack politicians, including Prime Minister Bart De Wever, using an explosives-laden drone.
Federal prosecutors said searches of the suspects’ homes uncovered an improvised but nonfunctional explosive device, a bag of steel balls, and a 3D printer believed to have been used to produce parts for the planned attack.
The suspects, aged 17 to 23, were charged with attempted terrorist murder and participation in a terrorist group. Two remain in custody while one was released.
🚨BREAKING: Belgian federal authorities have arrested three young suspects in connection with what prosecutors said was an attempted terrorist attack on the country’s politicians, including Prime Minister Bart De Wever.
Full story: https://t.co/K4i4ih0nOd pic.twitter.com/MnoWbpFB7b
— POLITICOEurope (@POLITICOEurope) October 9, 2025
Belgian officials praised security forces for preventing the attack and warned of a persistent terrorist threat amid rising drone-related security concerns across Europe.
The arrests come as Belgium faces increasing criminal violence and mounting strain on its justice system, with more than 80 terrorism cases opened this year—already surpassing 2024’s total.
Ukraine’s Long-Range Strikes Trigger Fuel Shortages in Russia, Halt Donetsk Offensive
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Thursday that Ukraine’s new long-range missiles and drones have dealt major blows to Russia’s energy and military infrastructure, causing significant gasoline shortages and derailing Moscow’s planned advance in eastern Donetsk.
Ukraine’s domestically produced Palianytsia missiles and Ruta drone have hit dozens of Russian depots and even an offshore oil platform 250 kilometers (150 miles) away, while swarms of Liutyi and Fire Point drones have targeted refineries.
Zelenskyy said Russia has lost up to 20 percent of its gasoline supply and sharply increased fuel imports from Belarus and China.
⚡️Zelenskyy says Ukraine’s drone and missile strikes are hitting Russia’s war economy hard, causing up to a 20% fuel shortfall.https://t.co/Ylxz6aEqlQ
— UNITED24 Media (@United24media) October 9, 2025
On the battlefield, he said Ukraine’s counter-offensive near Pokrovsk and Dobropillia has halted Russia’s summer campaign to seize the Donetsk region.
Zelenskyy also urged the US to provide Tomahawk missiles, saying recent talks showed progress, and confirmed plans to secure Ukraine’s gas network amid ongoing Russian attacks.
Putin Admits Russian Missiles Downed Azerbaijani Airliner, Promises Accountability and Compensation
Russian President Vladimir Putin publicly acknowledged Thursday that Russian air defenses were responsible for shooting down an Azerbaijani passenger jet in December 2024, killing 38 people.
Speaking in Dushanbe alongside Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, Putin said Russian missiles targeting a Ukrainian drone exploded near the Azerbaijan Airlines flight as it approached Grozny, causing it to crash in Kazakhstan. He cited a technical malfunction and pledged to punish those responsible and provide compensation to victims’ families.
President Vladimir Putin acknowledged that a Russian air defense system was responsible for the crash of an Azerbaijan Airlines passenger jet that killed 38 people in December (translation via AP) https://t.co/agQ3g6rLig pic.twitter.com/A1LzSpnrsP
— Bloomberg (@business) October 9, 2025
The admission marks Putin’s first direct acceptance of responsibility, following months of tension with Baku, which had accused Moscow of trying to cover up the incident. Both leaders signaled a desire to repair relations, emphasizing their countries’ longstanding economic and strategic ties.
Putin’s remarks came during a summit of former Soviet states, where he also reaffirmed Russia’s commitment to strengthening partnerships across Central Asia.
Russian Warships Enter Philippine Sea En Route to Southeast Asia, Japan Tracks Fleet Movements
A Russian Pacific Fleet surface group entered the Philippine Sea earlier this week en route to Southeast Asia, according to Japan’s Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF).
The group, consisting of destroyer Marshal Shaposhnikov (543), corvette Gremyashchy (337), and fleet oiler Boris Butoma, sailed between Japan’s Yonaguni and Iriomote islands while being shadowed by the JMSDF oiler JS Tokiwa (AOE-423).
Another Russian ship, the surveillance vessel Kareliya (535), also passed through Japanese waters via the Tsushima and Miyako straits. The Russian Defense Ministry said the fleet departed Vladivostok on a long-distance Pacific mission involving exercises and planned port visits.
A detachment of Pacific Fleet ships comprising the frigate “Marshal Shaposhnikov”, Project 20385-class corvette “Gremyashchiy” and replenishment oiler Boris Butoma has left Vladivostok on a long-distance voyage to fulfill tasks in the Asia-Pacific region.https://t.co/MoGW6HIUGI pic.twitter.com/TncN0ATElX
— Massimo Frantarelli (@MrFrantarelli) October 2, 2025
The JMSDF also reported a Chinese surveillance ship operating near Japan’s main islands during the same period.
Russia’s Pacific Fleet regularly conducts deployments to Southeast Asia for drills and engagements, though this mission is not expected to extend to the Middle East, unlike previous voyages.
Australia and India Sign New Defense Pact to Strengthen Indo-Pacific Security
Australia and India signed a new bilateral defense agreement Thursday aimed at deepening military cooperation and reinforcing stability in the Indo-Pacific.
Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh’s visit — the first by an Indian defense chief to Australia since 2013 — concluded with the signing of a pact establishing joint staff talks and cooperation on submarine rescue operations.
Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles called India a “top-tier security partner,” noting the growing partnership reflected in India’s first participation in the multinational Talisman Sabre exercises earlier this year.
A productive meeting at the Inaugural Australia-India Defence Ministers’ Dialogue with @rajnathsingh at Parliament House this morning. It’s the first time in 12 years that an Indian Defence Minister has visited Australia, and it was fantastic to elevate our Comprehensive… pic.twitter.com/e8oej85hs5
— Richard Marles (@RichardMarlesMP) October 9, 2025
Analysts said the visit underscores India’s pragmatic approach to balancing ties between the US and China by strengthening multilateral security relations through the Quad alliance with Australia, Japan, and the United States.
The deal follows Australia’s recent defense treaty with Papua New Guinea, signaling Canberra’s expanding regional security network.
Sources: News Agencies
.jpeg)
English (US) ·