Three numbers, one story: the US government shutdown

October 01, 2025

and

Eileen Zhang

The US government has officially shut down for the first time since 2019, after bitter partisan gridlock left Washington unable to pass a funding deal. Hundreds of thousands of “non-essential” federal workers now face the usual furloughs, but an added twist this time is that President Donald Trump has threatened to use the shutdown as an excuse to permanently fire many federal employees. Here is a look at how many workers of the 2 million civilian federal workers are in jeopardy until the government reopens.

GZEROMEDIA

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Democracy 2.0: Delivering on people’s needs

October 01, 2025

GZERO Staff

- YouTube

youtu.be

Are there more autocracies than democracies in the world today, and why does it matter? María del Carmen Sacasa (UNDP LAC) argues we’re in a paradigm shift, not a terminal crisis.

Will Trump’s peace plan end the Gaza war?

October 01, 2025

Ian Bremmer

Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu meets U.S President Donald Trump at the White House on Monday September 29, 2025.

EYEPRESS via Reuters Connect

As debt grows, resilience is tested

October 01, 2025

Bank of America

Household debt rose to $18.39T in Q2. Payments are manageable now, but higher mortgage costs and student loan delinquency may soon strain household spending. Can consumers sustain resilience if the labor market continues to soften? Subscribe to Bank of Institute to read the full report.

Drone wall plan tests Europe’s cohesion

October 01, 2025

Zac Weisz

After a spate of Russian drones appeared in European airspace, the European Commission is exploring a so-called “drone wall,” an air defense system that aims to detect and destroy drones that pass through Europe’s eastern borders.

Citizens’ assemblies helped Ireland move from conflict to consensus

October 01, 2025

GZERO Staff

- YouTube

youtu.be

Citizens’ assemblies helped Northern Ireland transform a violent past into today’s deliberative politics. Ambassador Fergal Mythen traces the arc from the New Ireland Forum (1983–84) through national roadshows and town halls to today’s independent citizens’ assemblies, processes that fed into parliament, broadened public understanding, and built “losers’ consent.”

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Hard Numbers: Earthquake rocks the Philippines, UN expands Haiti mission, Moscow cuts military budget, & More

October 01, 2025

Zac Weisz

Riley Callanan

A drone view of rescue workers conducting a rescue operation at a collapsed building in the aftermath of a 6.9-magnitude earthquake in Bogo, Cebu, Philippines, on October 1, 2025.

REUTERS/Adrian Portugal

What We’re Watching: Caribbean islands come together, “Gen Z” protests hit Morocco, Afghanistan cut off from the world

October 01, 2025

Zac Weisz

Riley Callanan

Lifeguards on the beach at the Boatyard Beach Club in Bridgetown, Barbados, ensure safety on the turquoise blue sea, on January 7, 2025.

IMAGO/Bihlmayerfotografie via Reuters Connect

Protect the watchdogs: Journalism, justice, & accountability

September 30, 2025

GZERO Staff

- YouTube

youtu.be

Journalists are often the whistleblowers exposing high-level corruption. UNODC’s Delphine Schantz explains why we must engage and protect reporters, equip them with investigative tools, and strengthen criminal justice systems so accountability isn’t optional.

At Walmart, there is a path for everyone

September 30, 2025

Walmart

Quiana started at Walmart as a floor associate. Ten promotions later, she’s supporting her family and over 850 stores. Across America, Walmart is investing $1 billion in career-driven training and development by 2026, helping associates like Quiana build their skills and careers, with or without a degree. At Walmart, the opportunities are endless. Learn how Walmart is helping frontline associates live better.

Participation = trust: Malawi’s citizens’ juries deliver democracy

September 30, 2025

GZERO Staff

- YouTube

youtu.be

Public trust isn’t a “nice to have," it’s the foundation of democracy. Ambassador Agnes Mary Chimbiri-Molande explains how citizens’ juries in Malawi bring people into local budgeting and development decisions, building transparency and trust by design.

Three numbers, one story: the US government shutdown

GZEROMEDIA

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More from GZERO Media

Are there more autocracies than democracies in the world today, and why does it matter? María del Carmen Sacasa (UNDP LAC) argues we’re in a paradigm shift, not a terminal crisis.

Household debt rose to $18.39T in Q2. Payments are manageable now, but higher mortgage costs and student loan delinquency may soon strain household spending. Can consumers sustain resilience if the labor market continues to soften? Subscribe to Bank of Institute to read the full report.

After a spate of Russian drones appeared in European airspace, the European Commission is exploring a so-called “drone wall,” an air defense system that aims to detect and destroy drones that pass through Europe’s eastern borders.

GZEROMEDIA

Subscribe to GZERO Media's newsletter: Signal

Journalists are often the whistleblowers exposing high-level corruption. UNODC’s Delphine Schantz explains why we must engage and protect reporters, equip them with investigative tools, and strengthen criminal justice systems so accountability isn’t optional.

Public trust isn’t a “nice to have," it’s the foundation of democracy. Ambassador Agnes Mary Chimbiri-Molande explains how citizens’ juries in Malawi bring people into local budgeting and development decisions, building transparency and trust by design.