The first government shutdown in 7 years

The Senate has not reached an agreement on federal funding tied to Medicare and the Affordable Care Act, according to AP News. Lawmakers remain divided as the shutdown has now begun, triggering the first federal government shutdown in seven years.

Democrats said they will withhold their votes on a continuing resolution unless the bill includes health care protections. The disagreement has stalled progress on the bill.

Without a compromise, the federal government shut down at 12:01 a.m. Wednesday. That deadline left Congress little time to strike a compromise.

During the shutdown, about 750,000 government employees are being furloughed, or temporarily laid off.

AI actor, Tilly Norwood, tries to join SAG-AFTRA

Xicoia, an artificial intelligence talent studio, has created Hollywood’s first “AI actor,” named Tilly Norwood, according to AP News. The announcement has sparked backlash from the local actor and filmmaker community.

The Screen Actors Guild issued a statement saying, “Creativity is, and should remain, human-centered.” The union emphasized that AI should not replace human performers.

Eline van der Velden, the creator of Xicoia and Norwood, said the AI “is not a replacement for a human being, but a creative work — a piece of art.” She defended the project as a new form of artistic expression.

Industry reactions remain mixed, with some viewing the AI actor as innovation and others raising ethical concerns. The debate highlights growing tensions over AI in entertainment.

Typhoon in Vietnam results in deaths and many people missing

The death toll from Typhoon Bualoi has risen to 26 in Vietnam, with dozens more still missing, according to AP News.

The storm also displaced thousands and caused widespread flooding and landslides across central regions.

Forecasters warned that heavy rains would continue, complicating relief efforts and raising the risk of further damage. 

Rescue teams have been dispatched to affected areas and authorities are urging residents to stay cautious amid ongoing weather threats.

Pete Hegseth delivers an address where he states every military position “returns to the highest male standard”

Defense Secretary, Pete Hegseth, stirred controversy Tuesday in an address to senior military leaders, calling for combat roles to adhere to the “highest male standard” of physical fitness, according to AP News.

He said that “if that means no women qualify for some combat jobs, so be it,” arguing that combat demands should not be compromised.

Several female combat veterans and advocacy groups pushed back, claiming women already meet the same rigorous standards as men.

Hegseth’s broader speech also targeted what he called “woke culture” in the military, signaling cuts to diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.