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In the news today: U.S. President Donald Trump has seized on the government shutdown as an opportunity to reshape the federal workforce and punish detractors; Syria’s Druze turn toward a formerly taboo ally, Israel; and anti-foreigner sentiments are on the rise in Japan. Also, a new report on book bans in U.S. schools finds Stephen King as the author most likely to be censored.

Park rangers spend the first morning of the government shutdown closing down the Fort Sumter National Monument center including taking down the American flag Wednesday, in Charleston, S.C. (Grace Beahm Alford/The Post And Courier via AP)

POLITICS

Trump uses government shutdown to dole out firings and political punishment

President Donald Trump has seized on the government shutdown as an opportunity to reshape the federal workforce and punish detractors by threatening mass firings of workers and suggesting “irreversible” cuts to programs important to Democrats. Read more.

Why this matters:

• Rather than simply furlough employees, as is usually done during any lapse of funds, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said layoffs were “imminent.” The Office of Management and Budget announced it was putting on hold roughly $18 billion of infrastructure funds for New York’s subway and Hudson Tunnel projects — in the hometown of the Democratic leaders of the U.S. House and Senate.
  
  

• Trump has marveled over the handiwork of his budget director. “He can trim the budget to a level that you couldn’t do any other way,” the president said at the start of the week of OMB Director Russ Vought, who was also a chief architect of the Project 2025 conservative policy book.

RELATED COVERAGE ➤

• Who might be blamed for the government shutdown? A poll shows voters’ complicated views

   

• Looming health insurance spikes for millions are at the heart of the government shutdown

   

• Federal shutdown cuts off economic data vital to policymakers and investors

   

• A prolonged US government shutdown could impact your travel plans

   

• FACT FOCUS: Democrats did not shut down the government to give health care to ‘illegal immigrants’

   

• Vance defends Trump meme of House Democratic leader in a sombrero as ‘joking’

   

• A look at previous government shutdowns and how they ended

   

• Supreme Court lets Lisa Cook remain as a Federal Reserve governor for now

   

• Judge blocks Trump cuts to anti-terror funding for New York City transit

   

• ACLU sues Puerto Rico’s government over release of immigrants’ information

   

• US takes a stake in company operating one of world’s largest lithium mines in Nevada

   

• US military starts drawing down its mission in Iraq countering the Islamic State group

   

• Trump administration imposes sanctions on some Iranian people and firms after UN decision

   

• A top Air Force commander announces retirement on social media

   

• WATCH: Planned Parenthood shuts down all operations in Louisiana after 40 years

   

• New York rapper who joined Trump at campaign rally sentenced to 5 years for attempted murder

   

• Conservative Wisconsin appeals court judge Maria Lazar is running for state Supreme Court

   

• Former New York Gov. Cuomo apologizes to Jewish community for his COVID-19 response

   

• Madison Cawthorn seeks comeback, running for Congress in Florida

   

• Jane Fonda revives Cold War-era activist group to defend free speech

WORLD NEWS

Druze seek Sweida autonomy and turn toward Israel, adding new twist to Syria’s tensions

When Syrian government forces entered the minority Druze enclave of Sweida this summer, it backfired. Sectarian attacks on Druze civilians have hardened their opposition to the new authorities in Damascus and pushed them toward Israel, and led some in the minority sect to go as far as calling for secession. Read more.

Why this matters:

• Druze groups have set up a de facto military and governmental body in Sweida, similar to the Kurdish-led authorities in the country’s northeast. It is a major setback for Damascus struggling to exert its authority across the country following a 13-year civil war and win the support of minorities.
  
  

• When former President Bashar Assad was brought down by Islamist-led insurgents in December, many Druze celebrated, welcoming a new era after over 50 years of autocratic rule in Syria. But in July, armed groups affiliated with Druze spiritual leader Sheikh Hikmat al-Hijri clashed with local Bedouin clans, spurring intervention by government forces who effectively sided with the Bedouins. Hundreds of civilians, mostly Druze, were killed, many by government fighters.
  
  

• Israel has intervened, launching strikes on Syrian forces. Many Druze now see Israel as a lifeline, although skepticism remains. Damascus has tried to appeal to the Druze community, but many remain disillusioned.

RELATED COVERAGE ➤

• How Syria’s first elections since autocrat Assad’s ouster are expected to unfold
  
  
• WATCH: Israel shares video of Greta Thunberg as activists say Gaza-bound aid flotilla intercepted
  
  
• At a mass grave on the outskirts of Damascus, some families learn the fate of missing loved ones

WORLD NEWS

Anti-foreigner sentiments and politicians are on the rise as Japan faces a population crisis

A populist surge is rising as Japan, a traditionally insular nation that values conformity and uniformity, sees a record surge of foreigners needed to bolster its shrinking workforce. Read more.

Why this matters:

• A Japanese nationalist party led by anti-globalist Sohei Kamiya was among the biggest winners in this summer’s parliamentary election. His “Japanese First” slogan has appealed to people struggling for decades with dwindling salaries, rising prices and a bleak outlook for the future. It is gaining broader traction ahead of a party vote Saturday that will choose the likely next prime minister.

RELATED COVERAGE ➤

• Japan’s lead trade negotiator defends tariffs deal with the US
  
  
• Japan and South Korea leaders commit to closer ties in their final summit

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