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USA This Week: October 6-12, 2025 – Weekly Roundup for nriglobe.com
Welcome to this week’s roundup from nriglobe.com, your trusted source for the latest in American news, events, entertainment, and sports. As the federal government shutdown stretched into its second week, disruptions rippled across the nation, while fall festivities, MLB playoffs, and NFL Week 6 kept spirits high. Here’s your complete recap:
Top News Stories
The federal government shutdown, now in its second week since October 1, dominated headlines with no end in sight. Partisan clashes in the Senate blocked funding bills, leaving Affordable Care Act subsidies at risk of expiring. President Trump pledged backpay for active-duty military facing missed paychecks, but non-essential services, including Smithsonian museums, began closing on October 12. Air travel took a hit, with over 6,000 flights delayed due to FAA staffing shortages, notably at Chicago’s O’Hare, where 42% of air traffic controllers were affected.
The Supreme Court launched its 2025-26 term on October 6, adding five cases to its docket and rejecting hundreds of petitions. A significant case from Rep. Michael Bost (R-Ill.) challenged Illinois’ mail-in ballot rules, which allow votes to be counted up to 14 days post-Election Day. Immigration enforcement reported a surge in assaults on ICE officers since June, particularly during raids in the Denver area.
Other notable stories included a tragic shooting in Leland, Mississippi, on October 11, and progress in Gaza ceasefire talks, with Hamas agreeing to a truce but requesting adjustments to Trump’s peace plan. Markets saw a dramatic rebound, with the Nasdaq soaring 12.16%—its largest single-day gain since 2001—despite economic uncertainty tied to the shutdown.
| Key Shutdown Impacts | Details |
|---|---|
| Aviation Delays | 6,000+ flights delayed; 12 air traffic facilities understaffed |
| Federal Sites | Smithsonian closures started Oct. 12; military backpay promised |
| Health Care | ACA subsidies in jeopardy; GOP infighting intensifies |
| Economic Toll | Bond market borrowing surged; Nasdaq posted historic rally |
Major Events
Autumn brought a vibrant mix of cultural celebrations and protests, even as the shutdown loomed large.
- Indigenous Peoples’ Day/Columbus Day (Oct. 13): Observed Monday with events like Philadelphia’s Shackamaxon Park festival, showcasing First Nations performances and vendors.
- National Coming Out Day (Oct. 11): Communities nationwide celebrated LGBTQ+ visibility through gatherings and storytelling.
- Protests Against Trump Admin: Over 50,000 rallied at state capitols, including D.C.’s Union Square, opposing Project 2025 and Elon Musk’s government efficiency initiatives.
- Regional Festivities: Philadelphia’s Salsa Sunday at Bok Bar on October 12 featured free dance lessons; L.A.’s Griffith Observatory celebrated its 90th anniversary with film screenings; and pumpkin-carving events began at places like the LA Arboretum.
- Navy 250th Anniversary: Trump rallied 10,000 sailors in Norfolk, VA, on October 5, with flyovers and patriotic energy carrying into the week.
Fire Prevention Week (Oct. 5-11) wrapped up with safety initiatives, while Anti-Poverty Week (Oct. 12-18) launched, addressing economic disparities.
Movie Releases
Spooky season fueled this week’s cinematic offerings, with horror and thrillers dominating theaters and streaming platforms.
Theatrical Highlights (Oct. 10-12):
- After the Hunt (Oct. 10): Luca Guadagnino’s thriller, starring Julia Roberts and Andrew Garfield, follows a journalist unraveling dark secrets on a luxury cruise.
- The Strangers: Chapter 2 (Oct. 10): The horror sequel intensifies with masked intruders targeting new victims.
- Ponyboi (Oct. 10): An indie drama exploring a young hustler’s journey through identity and survival.
Netflix Drops (Oct. 6-12):
Over 30 titles debuted, including the stand-up special Matt McCusker: A Humble Offering and licensed series like Nurse Jackie and Poldark. Standouts also included the mystery The Woman in Cabin 10 and the family-friendly Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie.
| Release Date | Title | Genre | Platform |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oct. 10 | After the Hunt | Thriller | Theaters |
| Oct. 10 | The Strangers: Chapter 2 | Horror | Theaters |
| Oct. 10 | Ponyboi | Drama | Theaters |
| Oct. 6-12 | Nurse Jackie (Seasons 1-7) | Drama | Netflix |
| Oct. 8 | The Woman in Cabin 10 | Mystery | Netflix |
Sports News
MLB playoffs and NFL action delivered drama, with underdogs and injuries shaping the week.
MLB Playoffs
The Division Series brought surprises: The Milwaukee Brewers upset the Cubs without hitting a homer, leaning on pitching and small-ball tactics. The Detroit Tigers, after squandering a 14-game lead in the regular season, shocked the Guardians to advance. The Dodgers defeated the Phillies to reach the NLCS, relying on 12 pitchers in a bullpen clinic, with Shohei Ohtani adding to his playoff legacy. The Toronto Blue Jays outplayed the Yankees, fueling ALDS excitement.
NFL Week 6 Preview & Week 5 Recap
Week 5 saw the last unbeaten teams fall, marking the earliest end to perfect records since 2014. Highlights included the Giants’ 34-17 upset over the Eagles, driven by Jaxson Dart and Cam Skattebo’s three touchdowns, and the Broncos’ emotional victory over the winless Jets in London. Injuries piled up: Dolphins’ Tua Tagovailoa battled hand/hip issues, and Cardinals’ Kyler Murray was sidelined with a foot injury. Week 6 features games like Dolphins vs. Chargers on October 12 and NBA preseason matchups like Celtics vs. Cavaliers.
Other Sports
NBA preseason action saw the Magic dominate the 76ers with a 34-8 fourth-quarter surge, while LeBron James was ruled out for the Lakers’ opener due to sciatica. In college football, Texas defeated No. 6 Oklahoma 23-6, boosting their CFP chances, with Michigan vs. USC set for October 11. WWE Crown Jewel results landed, and Magic Johnson was named the 137th Rose Parade grand marshal.
| NFL Week 5 Highlights | Score | Standout |
|---|---|---|
| Giants over Eagles | 34-17 | Dart’s passing, Skattebo’s 3 TDs |
| Broncos over Jets | W in London | Emotional team win |
| Packers implications | N/A | Romeo Doubs’ hot streak |
Keep up with nriglobe.com for the latest on the shutdown, playoffs, and more. What’s the top story for you this week? Share your thoughts in the comments!
