News Above the Noise—Week of October 5, 2025
1. Government Shutdown Goes On
The Senate adjourned for the weekend without advancing either party’s proposal to end the federal government shutdown, meaning it will continue into next week. Republican leaders refused to tie a spending extension to health care concessions, while Democrats held firm on demands for additional funding and limits on executive power. The White House has been canceling or pausing billions in approved federal funds, preparing for possible layoffs of federal workers, and targeting spending cuts, especially in Democratic states. Learn more about the latest here.
2. Netanyahu Says Hostage Deal With Hamas Is Near
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Saturday that Israel is close to a deal with Hamas to secure the release of remaining hostages in Gaza, calling it “a great achievement” that could be finalized soon. His remarks followed signals from both sides indicating progress on President Trump’s cease-fire proposal, though key issues, including Hamas’s disarmament, remain unresolved. Egypt is scheduled to host indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas in Cairo on Monday. Click here for the latest.
3. More Cancer Diagnoses, Same Death Rate
A new study published in JAMA Internal Medicine suggests the rise in cancer diagnoses among adults under 50 may be driven more by increased detection than by an actual surge in dangerous disease. While early-onset cancer rates have doubled since the 1990s, the death rate has remained flat, indicating many cases may never have led to serious illness. Researchers say this trend points to a possible epidemic of diagnosis, highlighting the need for a more nuanced understanding of cancer risk in younger adults. Find out more.
4. Why Women Outlive Men
A newly released study of over 1,100 mammal and bird species suggests that differences in sex chromosomes may help explain why women tend to outlive men. Researchers found that in most mammals, including humans, females live longer—possibly due to the protective effect of having two X chromosomes. In contrast, many bird species show the opposite trend, with males living longer, indicating that sex chromosomes alone don’t explain everything. Find out which factors contribute to lifespan differences.
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