BBC News Briefing

1 October, 2025

Sofia has long brown hair and brown eyes and is wearing a green top.

Sofia Lotto Persio

Hello. The US government has shut down for the first time since 2018. My colleagues explain why it happened, what this means and when the freeze might end. As the Taliban impose a telecommunications blackout, Afghanistan producer Mahfouz Zubaide reports on what internet access represents for women's lives. And finally, meet the winner of Fat Bear Week.

TOP OF THE AGENDA

First US government shutdown since 2018

The US Capitol building that houses the chambers of Congress is illuminated at night, pictured from behind a fence

Efforts in the Senate to keep the government funded fell short late on Tuesday despite frenetic negotiations. Credit: Reuters

Funding for the US government has been cut off for the first time in almost seven years after lawmakers failed to agree a last-ditch funding deal. Republicans control both chambers of Congress, but they need Democratic backing as they do not have the 60-seat Senate majority required to pass a spending bill. Both sides have been in a bitter standoff over healthcare spending, with Democrats arguing for an extension to insurance subsidies that will expire at the end of the year. Hundreds of thousands of federal workers could now be furloughed or laid off, and President Donald Trump has threatened mass firings.

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Explainer: Government shutdowns are characteristic of the US political system. Here's what you need to know.

What is affected: The political gridlock is poised to cause widespread disruption in areas ranging from air travel to zoo visits.

Real-time updates: Global financial markets are broadly taking the shutdown in their stride. Get the latest.

At least 69 killed in Philippines quake

Cebu province in the central Philippines has declared a state of calamity after a 6.9 magnitude earthquake struck at around 10pm local time. Watch the moment it happened. At least 69 people have been killed. Rescuers are sifting through rubble for survivors as authorities rush to deliver aid and restore electricity and communication lines.

What happened

WORLD HEADLINES

Crew interacts from aboard a boat, part of the Global Sumud Flotilla

Activists say Gaza flotilla circled by Israeli warship

The Global Sumud Flotilla says that one of its lead vessels was "aggressively circled" by an Israeli warship for several minutes.

Read more >

Members of the military attend a meeting convened by US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth

Hundreds of top US generals gather in Virginia

In an unusual address to the summit, President Trump has said he wants to use US cities as military "training grounds".

What was said >

A burnt-out van is covered in foam after being extinguished by fire fighters in Munich, Germany, October 1, 2025. Police and firefighters were out in large numbers along Munich's Lerchenauer Strasse arterial road after a local newspaper reported that explosions and gunshots had been heard.

Munich fatal fire and bomb threat delays Oktoberfest

Police say the opening of the Oktoberfest venue has been delayed because of possible connections to an explosion.

What to know >

A child with blond hair applies sunscreen to their face on a beach on a sunny day

Australia sunscreen scandal grows

Eighteen sunscreens have been pulled from shelves in the skin cancer hotspot over safety concerns.

More details >

Emily Blunt stands on a red carpet. She is wearing a silver dress with earrings

Hollywood stars outraged over 'AI actor'

An "AI actor" named Tilly Norwood has been causing a stir after its Dutch creator said she was in talks with talent agencies.

Here's why >

NEWS FROM THE UK

Tony Blair: Diplomatic correspondent James Landale explores whether the former UK leader could really help govern Gaza.

Undercover cleaner: Investigative journalist Catriona MacPhee takes a job at a care home in Scotland and witnesses residents in distress.

Princess Anne: The Princess Royal has made a surprise visit to Ukraine to show support for children affected by Russia's invasion.

BEYOND THE HEADLINES

Afghan women lose their 'last hope'

File photo of a woman in a yellow niqab and black dress holding a smartphone in front of her face.