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Oct 4 (OPTA) – Summaries for the J-League on Saturday (start times are JST) Shimizu S-Pulse (1) 1 Scorers: T. Takahashi 34 Yellow card: Hasukawa 60 Subs used: Matsuzaki 67 (Kozuka), Uno 67 (Yumiba), Kitagawa 73 (Takahashi), Takagi 84 (Yoshida), Yajima 84 (Inui) Tokyo (0) 1 Scorers: K. Sato 76 Subs used: Tawaratsumida 61 (Marcos Guilherme), Nozawa 61 (Endo), Yamashita 87 (Sato), Oka 87 (Morishige) Attendance: 17099 Referee: Jumpei Iida ……………………………………………………….. Nagoya Grampus (2) 2 Scorers: Y. Nogami 37, Y. Kimura 45 Subs used: Tokumoto 54 (Nakayama), Nagai 79 (Nogami), Yamagishi 79 (Kimura), Kato 91 (Morishima), Kikuchi 91 (Mateus) Cerezo Osaka (0) 1 Scorers: Vitor Bueno 85 Subs used: Nakajima 46 (Shibayama), Sakata 46 (Thiago Andrade), Takahashi 68 (Ohata), Shindo 68 (Hatanaka), Vitor Bueno 76 (Kagawa) Attendance: 33496 Referee: Hayato Shimizu ……………………………………………………….. Albirex Niigata (0) 1 Scorers: E. Shirai 67 Yellow card: Hayakawa 47, Hashimoto 93 Subs used: Boudah 60 (Ono), Hashimoto 61 (Horigome), Ohara 74 (Shimamura), Taniguchi 84 (Okumura), Geria 84 (Hayakawa), Uemura 97 (Arai) Fagiano Okayama (1) 1 Scorers: K. Ichimi 24 Yellow card: Miyamoto 83 Subs used: Lucão 56 (Kimura), Matsumoto 75 (Motoyama), Suzuki 75 (Tagami), Iwabuchi 75 (Ichimi), Takeuchi 88 (Miyamoto), Fujii 92 (Esaka) Attendance: 19567 Referee: Koki Nagamine ……………………………………………………….. Sanfrecce Hiroshima (0) 2 Scorers: Kim Ju-Sung 88, T. Arslan 90+5pen Yellow card: Kim Ju-Sung 89, Arslan 95, 66 Subs used: Germain 9 (Kinoshita), Arai 61 (Nakano), Suga 62 (Higashi), Arslan 62 (Shiotani), Kato 76 (Nakajima) Machida Zelvia (0) 1 Scorers: Y. Soma 50 Yellow card: Nishimura 29 Subs used: Na Sang-Ho 65 (Nishimura), Duke 65 (Fujio), Sento 81 (Soma), Hayashi 81 (Masuyama), Kuwayama 89 (Shimoda) Referee: Hiroki Kasahara ……………………………………………………….. Avispa Fukuoka (0) 1 Scorers: M. Yuzawa 51 Subs used: Konno 76 (Nago), Iwasaki 76 (Sato), Oda 99 (Hashimoto) Yokohama (0) 0 Yellow card: João Paulo 60 Subs used: Sakuragawa 62 (Lukian), Kubota 62 (Adaílton), Shimbo 75 (Ito), Ito 81 (João Paulo), Endo 81 (Yamane) Referee: Yuzo Sutani ……………………………………………………….. Urawa Reds (0) 1 Scorers: I. Kiese Thelin 47 Yellow card: Yasui 20 Subs used: Shibato 65 (Yasui), Sekine 77 (Gustafson), Komori 77 (Kiese Thelin), Matsuo 77 (Kaneko), Hayakawa 91 (Matheus Sávio) Vissel Kobe (0) 0 Missed penalty: T. Miyashiro 41 Subs used: Ide 46 (Osako), Komatsu 66 (Erik), Yuruki 66 (Miyashiro), Iino 74 (Kuwasaki), Jean Patrick 90 (Nagato) Attendance: 38062 Referee: Akihiko Ikeuchi ……………………………………………………….. Kashiwa Reysol (1) 1 Scorers: Y. Koizumi 41 Yellow card: Nakama 48 Subs used: Toshima 74 (Nakama), Harakawa 77 (Nakagawa), Yamanouchi 86 (Diego), Hosoya 87 (Kakita), Mitsumaru 87 (Koyamatsu) Yokohama F. Marinos (0) 0 Subs used: Miyaichi 64 (Yuri Araújo), Amano 64 (Croux), Inoue 64 (Uenaka), Deng 64 (Tsunoda), Watanabe 87 (Kida) Referee: Koji Takasaki ……………………………………………………….. Kyoto Sanga in play Kawasaki Frontale ……………………………………………………….. Sunday, October 5 fixtures (JST/GMT) Kashima Antlers v Gamba Osaka (0600)

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Oct 4 (OPTA) – Scoreboard at stumps on the first day of match 3 between Western Australia and New South Wales on Saturday at Perth, Australia New South Wales are 35 for 3 New South Wales 1st innings Blake Nikitaras c Cameron Green b Corey Rocchiccioli 9 Sam Konstas lbw Joel Paris 4 Kurtis Patterson c Joel Curtis b Cameron Gannon 8 Matthew Gilkes Not Out 12 Ollie Davies Not Out 0 Extras 0b 0lb 2nb 0pen 0w 2 Total (25.1 overs) 35-3 Fall of Wickets : 1-9 Konstas, 2-23 Patterson, 3-23 Nikitaras To Bat : Green, Salzmann, Stobo, Lyon, Hatcher, Hadley Bowling Ov Md Rn Wk Econ Ex Joel Paris 8 7 1 1 0.12 Matthew Kelly 6.1 1 22 0 3.57 1nb Corey Rocchiccioli 6 3 4 1 0.67 Cameron Gannon 5 2 8 1 1.60 1nb …………………………….. Umpire Gerard Abood Umpire Michael Graham-Smith Match Referee David Gilbert

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Oct 4 (OPTA) – Scoreboard at stumps on the first day of match 1 between Queensland and Tasmania on Saturday at Brisbane, Australia Tasmania are 299 for 6 Tasmania 1st innings Nivethan Radhakrishnan c Hugh Weibgen b Michael Neser 7 Jake Weatherald c&b Michael Neser 67 Tim Ward b Gurinder Sandhu 6 Caleb Jewell c Matt Renshaw b Benji Floros 0 Jordan Silk c&b Mitchell Swepson 104 Bradley Hope lbw Jack Wildermuth 76 Jake Doran Not Out 25 Nikhil Chaudhary Not Out 9 Extras 0b 3lb 2nb 0pen 0w 5 Total (92.0 overs) 299-6 Fall of Wickets : 1-20 Radhakrishnan, 2-32 Ward, 3-33 Jewell, 4-113 Weatherald, 5-263 Silk, 6-280 Hope To Bat : Elliott, Bird, Bell Bowling Ov Md Rn Wk Econ Ex Michael Neser 18 2 53 2 2.94 1nb Jack Wildermuth 13 0 39 1 3.00 Benji Floros 16 3 60 1 3.75 Gurinder Sandhu 18 3 48 1 2.67 Mitchell Swepson 17 1 56 1 3.29 Marnus Labuschagne 8 1 26 0 3.25 1nb Hugh Weibgen 2 0 14 0 7.00 ……………………….. Umpire Troy Penman Umpire Sam Nogajski Match Referee Kepler Wessels

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Oct 4 (Reuters) – Sanae Takaichi is likely to be Japan's first female prime minister after winning the race to lead the ruling Liberal Democratic Party on Saturday. A former economic security internal affairs minister, a conservative nationalist with an expansionary agenda, is expected to replace Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba since the LDP is the largest group in parliament. Here are some reactions from around the world: TAIWAN PRESIDENT LAI CHING-TE, PARTY STATEMENT "Lai Ching-te extends his most sincere and warmest congratulations to the new (LDP) President Takaichi… Takaichi is a steadfast friend of Taiwan. (Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party) and the LDP have long maintained friendly and deep-rooted relations. It is hoped that under the leadership of (LDP) President Takaichi, Taiwan and Japan can deepen their partnership in areas such as economic trade, security, and technological cooperation, further advancing Taiwan-Japan relations to a new stage." CHINA'S MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS, SPOKESPERSON'S OFFICE, STATEMENT: "We have noted the election result, which is Japan's internal affairs. We hope that Japan will adhere to the principles and consensus of the four China-Japan political documents, honour its political commitments on major issues such as history and Taiwan, pursue a positive and rational policy toward China and fully implement its position to comprehensively promote a strategic and mutually beneficial relationship." U.S. AMBASSADOR TO JAPAN, GEORGE GLASS, ON X: "My congratulations to @takaichi_sanae on becoming the 29th president of Japan’s Liberal Democratic Party and the party’s first female leader. I look forward to working with her to strengthen and grow the partnership on every front." ISRAEL'S AMBASSADOR TO JAPAN, GILAD COHEN, ON X: "Congratulations to Sanae Takaichi, newly elected President of the LDP and the party’s first female leader! I am confident that under your leadership, the ties between Israel and Japan will continue to grow stronger. Looking forward to fruitful and successful cooperation ahead." (Compiled by Global News Desk)

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* Islamic Jihad move could facilitate release of hostages * Israel strikes Gaza after Trump calls for end to bombardment * Israel says Gaza City is still a dangerous combat zone * Trump plan and Hamas response lift spirits of Palestinians * Relative of released Israeli hostage calls for end to war (Adds context paragraph 8, quotes from relative of released Israeli hostage in last two paragraphs) By Nidal al-Mughrabi and Mahmoud Issa CAIRO/GAZA, Oct 4 (Reuters) – Palestinian Islamic Jihad, a hardline ally of Hamas that also holds hostages, on Saturday endorsed the group's response to a U.S. plan to end the war in Gaza – a move that could help pave the way for the release of Israelis still held by both parties. Hamas, the Palestinian militant group that controls Gaza, on Friday accepted certain key parts of U.S. President Donald Trump's plan, including ending the war, Israel's withdrawal and the release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian captives. Hamas's response triggered a chorus of optimistic statements by world leaders urging an immediate cessation of the deadliest conflict involving Israel since its creation in 1948, and demanding freedom for the Israelis still held in the enclave. A further possible boost to hopes for peace came with a supportive statement from Iran-backed Islamic Jihad, which is smaller than Hamas but seen as more hardline. PALESTINIANS LOOK FOR 'RAY OF HOPE' AFTER HAMAS RESPONSE "Hamas' (reaction) to Trump's plan represents the position of the Palestinian resistance factions, and the Islamic Jihad participated responsibly in the consultations that led to this decision," the group said. Hamas' stance, and its backing by Islamic Jihad, may raise the spirit of Gazans, who had watched one ceasefire effort after another fail as Israeli strikes hit the strip over the past two years, creating a humanitarian crisis and displacing millions. "May the suffering lift off the people of Gaza, the people of Gaza are among the oppressed of the earth, and any ray of hope for the oppressed people is a victory," said Sharif al-Fakhouri, resident of the occupied West Bank city of Hebron. Amid the optimism several issues remain unresolved, such as whether Hamas will agree to disarm, one of Israel's main demands. Some Palestinians were cautious, expressing fear that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who heads the most far-right government in Israel's history, will ultimately withdraw from any plan to end the war. "What is important is that Netanyahu does not sabotage this, because now that Hamas agreed, Netanyahu will disagree, as he usually does," said Jerusalem resident Jamal Shihada. The Israeli military's Arabic spokesperson issued a warning on Saturday for residents of Gaza City, saying it remained a "dangerous" combat zone. He urged residents in a post on X to avoid going north in the enclave or nearing any areas where the military operates. News website Axios earlier reported that the Israeli military would shift to defensive operations in Gaza and halt its plan to seize Gaza City. Israeli airstrikes persisted early on Saturday but they were less intense, after U.S. President Donald Trump had called for a halt to the bombing saying Hamas was ready for peace. In its daily update, the Gaza health ministry said Israeli fire killed at least 66 Palestinians across the enclave in the past 24 hours. WORLDWIDE SUPPORT FOR END TO 'TERRIBLE WAR' Netanyahu's office said Israel was preparing for "immediate implementation" of the first stage of Trump's Gaza plan for the release of Israeli hostages following Hamas' response. Shortly after, Israeli media reported that the country's political echelon had instructed the military to reduce offensive activity in Gaza. Trump's plan and Hamas' reaction won support around the world, from Australia to India to Canada and European capitals. "An end to this terrible war is within reach," said Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof. Hamas responded to Trump's 20-point plan after the U.S. president gave the group until Sunday to accept or face grave consequences. Trump, who has cast himself as the only person capable of achieving peace in Gaza, has invested significant political capital in efforts to end the war that has left U.S. ally Israel increasingly isolated on the world stage. Trump said on Friday he believed Hamas had shown it was "ready for a lasting PEACE" and he put the onus on Netanyahu's government. "Israel must immediately stop the bombing of Gaza, so that we can get the Hostages out safely and quickly!" Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform. Domestically, the prime minister is caught between growing pressure to end the war — from hostage families and a war-weary public — and demands from hardline members of his coalition who insist there must be no let-up in Israel’s campaign in Gaza. Israel began attacking Gaza after the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack on Israel in which some 1,200 people were killed and 251 taken hostage, according to Israeli tallies. Israel says 48 hostages remain, 20 of whom are alive. Israel's campaign has killed more than 67,000 people in Gaza, most of them civilians, according to Gaza health authorities. "It's time to end this horrific war and bring every single hostage back home. We are for rebuilding and the rehabilitation," said Efrat Machikawa, an active member of Israel's hostage families forum and the niece of Gadi Moses, a hostage who was released in January. "We're fed up with the war. We don't want any revenge. We want to concentrate on life." (Additional reporting by Mohammed Torokman, Mussa Qawasma and Rami Amichay; Writing by Michael Georgy; Editing by Susan Fenton, William Maclean)

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Oct 4 (Reuters) – Captain Mitchell Marsh produced a blistering unbeaten 103 off 52 balls to secure Australia's series-clinching three-wicket victory in the third and final T20 International against New Zealand in Mount Maunganui on Saturday. The 33-year-old struck seven sixes in his maiden hundred in T20 Internationals as Australia overcame a top-order wobble and chased down a 157-run target with two overs to spare to complete a 2-0 series victory. Australia, who won the opener by six wickets, were assured of retaining the Chappell-Hadlee trophy after the second match was washed out. Put into bat, New Zealand posted a middling 156-9, overcoming a jittery start after Josh Hazlewood removed Devon Conway and Tim Robinson inside five overs. Opener Tim Seifert (48) tops-cored for New Zealand, while skipper Michael Bracewell (26) and Jimmy Neesham (25) chipped in with cameos to take New Zealand past the 150-mark. Sean Abbott (3-25) was pick of the Australian bowlers, and Xavier Bartlett claimed two wickets. New Zealand's bowlers fought tooth and nail with Neesham (4-26) wrecking Australia's top order to inject new drama into the match. Five of Australia top six batters fell for single digit scores but player-of-the-match Marsh needed only 50 balls to bring up his hundred. "It was a little bit of pressure in the end but it's obviously great to win an away series in New Zealand," said Marsh, who was also adjudged player-of-tournament. "I actually loved our intent with the bat and that's how we are playing at the moment. It was nice to get home in the end." (Reporting by Amlan Chakraborty in New Delhi; editing by Ed Osmond)

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* Islamic Jihad move could facilitate release of hostages * Israel strikes Gaza after Trump calls for end to bombardment * Trump plan and Hamas response lift spirits of Palestinians (Adds comment from Palestinian in paragraph 7, new overall death toll in paragraph 24) By Nidal al-Mughrabi and Mahmoud Issa CAIRO/GAZA, Oct 4 (Reuters) – Palestinian Islamic Jihad, a hardline ally of Hamas that also holds hostages, on Saturday endorsed the group's response to a U.S. plan to end the war in Gaza – a move that could help pave the way for the release of Israelis still held by both parties. Hamas, the Palestinian militant group that controls Gaza, on Friday accepted certain key parts of U.S. President Donald Trump's plan, including ending the war, Israel's withdrawal and the release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian captives. Hamas's response triggered a chorus of optimistic statements by world leaders urging an immediate cessation of the deadliest conflict involving Israel since its creation in 1948, and freedom for the remaining Israelis held in the tiny enclave. A further possible boost to hopes for peace came with a supportive statement from Iran-backed Islamic Jihad, which is smaller than Hamas but seen as more hardline. PALESTINIANS LOOK FOR 'RAY OF HOPE' AFTER HAMAS RESPONSE "Hamas' (reaction) to Trump's plan represents the position of the Palestinian resistance factions, and the Islamic Jihad participated responsibly in the consultations that led to this decision," the group said. Hamas' stance, and its backing by Islamic Jihad, may raise the spirit of Gazans, who had watched one ceasefire effort after another fail as Israeli strikes hit the strip over the past two years, creating a humanitarian crisis and displacing millions. "May the suffering lift off the people of Gaza, the people of Gaza are among the oppressed of the earth, and any ray of hope for the oppressed people is a victory," said Sharif al-Fakhouri, resident of the occupied West Bank city of Hebron. Other Palestinians were cautious, expressing fear that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who heads the most far-right government in Israel's history, will ultimately withdraw from any plan to end the war. "What is important is that Netanyahu does not sabotage this, because now that Hamas agreed, Netanyahu will disagree, as he usually does," said Jerusalem resident Jamal Shihada. The Israeli military's Arabic spokesperson issued a warning on Saturday for residents of Gaza City, saying it remained a "dangerous" combat zone. He urged residents in a post on X to avoid going north in the enclave or nearing any areas where the military operates. News website Axios earlier reported that the Israeli military would shift to defensive operations in Gaza and halt its plan to seize Gaza City. Israeli airstrikes persisted early on Saturday but they were less intense, after U.S. President Trump had called for a halt to the bombing saying Hamas was ready for peace. In its daily update, the Gaza health ministry said Israeli fire killed at least 66 Palestinians across the enclave in the past 24 hours. WORLDWIDE SUPPORT FOR END TO 'TERRIBLE WAR' Netanyahu's office said early on Saturday that Israel was preparing for an "immediate implementation" of the first stage of Trump's Gaza plan for the release of Israeli hostages following Hamas' response. Shortly after, Israeli media reported that the country's political echelon had instructed the military to reduce offensive activity in Gaza. Trump's plan and Hamas' reaction won support around the world, from Australia to India to Canada and European capitals. "An end to this terrible war is within reach," said Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof. The Israeli military chief of staff instructed forces in a statement to advance readiness for the implementation of the first phase of Trump’s plan, without mentioning whether there would be reduction of military activity in Gaza. Hamas responded to Trump's 20-point plan after the U.S. president gave the group until Sunday to accept or face grave consequences. Trump, who has cast himself as the only person capable of achieving peace in Gaza, has invested significant political capital in efforts to end the war that has left U.S. ally Israel increasingly isolated on the world stage. Trump said on Friday he believed Hamas had shown it was "ready for a lasting PEACE" and he put the onus on Netanyahu's government. "Israel must immediately stop the bombing of Gaza, so that we can get the Hostages out safely and quickly!" Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform. Domestically, the prime minister is caught between growing pressure to end the war — from hostage families and a war-weary public — and demands from hardline members of his coalition who insist there must be no let-up in Israel’s campaign in Gaza. Israel began attacking Gaza after the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack on Israel in which some 1,200 people were killed and 251 taken hostage, according to Israeli tallies. Israel says 48 hostages remain, 20 of whom are alive. Israel's campaign has killed more than 67,000 people in Gaza, most of them civilians, according to Gaza health authorities. Its assault has destroyed much of the strip while aid restrictions have triggered a famine in parts of Gaza. (Additional reporting by Mohammed Torokman and Mussa Qawasma; Writing by Michael Georgy; Editing by Susan Fenton, William Maclean)

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(Adds Spanish Foreign Minister) Oct 4 (Reuters) – Donald Trump has called for Israel to halt its bombing of Gaza after Hamas said it was ready to release hostages and agreed to some aspects of the U.S. president's plan to end the war, although Israeli strikes still killed several people on Saturday. Here are some reactions from around the world to Hamas' comments and Trump's reaction: EUROPEAN COMMISSION PRESIDENT URSULA VON DER LEYEN "Hamas’ stated readiness to release hostages and engage on the basis of the recent @POTUS proposal is encouraging. This moment must be seized. An immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the release of all hostages are within reach." FRENCH PRESIDENT EMMANUEL MACRON "The release of all hostages and a ceasefire in Gaza are within reach! Hamas' commitment must be followed up without delay. We now have the opportunity to make decisive progress towards peace … I would like to thank President @realDonaldTrump and his team for their commitment to peace." GERMAN CHANCELLOR FRIEDRICH MERZ "The hostages must be released. Hamas must disarm. The fighting must cease immediately. All of this must happen very fast. After almost two years, this is the best chance for peace. Germany will continue to engage." BRITISH PRIME MINISTER KEIR STARMER "Hamas’ acceptance of the U.S. peace plan is a significant step forwards. We strongly support President Trump’s efforts, which have brought us closer to peace than ever before. There is now an opportunity to end the fighting, for the hostages to return home, and for humanitarian aid to reach those who so desperately need it." SPANISH FOREIGN MINISTER JOSE LUIS ALBARES "An immediate ceasefire, the entry of food and humanitarian aid, the release of the hostages, all is welcome." "It's not a definitive step; there are still many obstacles. This fundamentalist organization (Hamas) must be disarmed. We want the Israeli army to definitively cease all military actions against the group. "What will bring peace to the Palestinian people, to the people of Israel, is the existence of a realistic and viable Palestinian state," he told Spanish state broadcaster RTVE. IRISH FOREIGN MINISTER SIMON HARRIS "This moment to end the unconscionable human suffering must be grasped by all. Stop the bombing, silence the guns, end the famine and allow a surge of humanitarian aid into Gaza," he said in a statement on X. INDIAN PRIME MINISTER NARENDRA MODI "We welcome President Trump’s leadership as peace efforts in Gaza make decisive progress. Indications of the release of hostages mark a significant step forward. India will continue to strongly support all efforts towards a durable and just peace," he wrote on X. JORDANIAN FOREIGN MINISTRY Jordan welcomed Hamas' positive response to Trump's plan, calling it an important step to end the Gaza war, a ministry statement said. Amman also praised Egypt and Qatar's mediation, highlighted U.S. efforts including opposition to West Bank annexation, and called for an immediate halt to Israel's offensive, the opening of crossings for aid, and a peace process based on a two-state solution. CANADA PRIME MINISTER MARK CARNEY "Canada welcomes commitments from Hamas to relinquish power and release all remaining hostages, living and deceased. We encourage all parties to immediately work to turn commitments into reality, and to advance peace and security in the region." AUSTRALIAN PRIME MINISTER ANTHONY ALBANESE "Australia welcomes progress on President Trump's plan to bring peace to Gaza," he wrote on X. "Together with our partners, Australia will continue to support efforts to end the war and work towards a just and sustainable two-state solution." DUTCH PRIME MINISTER DICK SCHOOF "Important steps toward a ceasefire in Gaza thanks to President Trump's peace plan. Hamas's stated willingness to release the hostages and its willingness to enter direct negotiations on the peace plan is a positive sign. "An end to this terrible war is within reach." (Editing by Alexandra Hudson, William Maclean)

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BERLIN, Oct 4 (Reuters) – Germany's economy ministry revised its growth forecast for this year up to 0.2% from an earlier forecast of zero, a source familiar with the forecasts told Reuters. The ministry forecasts 1.3% growth for next year and 1.4% growth for 2027. Europe's largest economy has registered little growth at all since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic followed by Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine and the launch of U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs. (Reporting by Holger Hansen, writing by Thomas Escritt, editing by Kirsti Knolle, Alexandra Hudson)

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Here are the top stories and upcoming coverage plans for Reuters text service as of 10:00 GMT/06:00 ET. For a full schedule of news and events, go to our editorial calendar on Reuters Connect. TOP STORIES GLOBAL JAPAN-POLITICS Right-wing Sanae Takaichi set to be Japan's first female premier TOKYO – Japan's ruling party picked hardline conservative Sanae Takaichi as its head on Saturday, putting her on course to become the country's first female prime minister in a move set to jolt investors and neighbours. ISRAEL-PALESTINIANS Islamic Jihad backs Hamas response to US Gaza plan CAIRO/GAZA – Palestinian Islamic Jihad, an ally of Hamas that also holds Israeli hostages, on Saturday endorsed Hamas’s response to a U.S. plan to end the war in Gaza – a move that could help pave the way for the release of Israeli captives still held by both groups. U.S. USA-SHUTDOWN Bid to end shutdown fails in Senate; Trump freezes aid to Chicago WASHINGTON – U.S. President Donald Trump's administration froze $2.1 billion in Chicago transit funding on Friday, starving another Democratic city of funds as a bid to end the government shutdown failed again in the Senate. USA-TRUMP-MIGRATION-BIRTHRIGHT Second US appeals court rejects Trump's order curtailing birthright citizenship BOSTON – President Donald Trump's effort to curtail birthright citizenship was declared unconstitutional by a second U.S. appeals court on Friday, handing him another defeat on a core piece of his hardline immigration agenda whose ultimate fate may lie with the U.S. Supreme Court. BUSINESS TRUMP-MINING-CRITICAL-METALS Exclusive-Trump administration eyes stake in company developing Greenland rare earths mine Trump administration officials have discussed taking a stake in Critical Metals Corp, four people familiar with the discussions told Reuters, which would give Washington a direct interest in the largest rare earths project in Greenland, the Arctic territory that President Donald Trump once suggested buying. USA-ECONOMY-JOBS For a jobs day data fix in a US shutdown, here is what the experts are saying WASHINGTON – With U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics employees furloughed due to the federal government shutdown, the agency's website shows a release from Wednesday as its most recent data update instead of the monthly employment report for September that had been scheduled for Friday. ENTERTAINMENT PEOPLE-SEAN-COMBS Sean 'Diddy' Combs sentenced to more than 4 years in prison over prostitution conviction NEW YORK – Sean "Diddy" Combs was sentenced on Friday to more than four years in prison over his conviction on prostitution-related charges, with the judge rebuking the hip-hop mogul for subjecting two former girlfriends to years of abuse. MUSIC-TAYLOR-SWIFT-ALBUM Taylor Swift's 'Life of a Showgirl' presents pop phenomenon at the peak of her power LOS ANGELES – Superstar Taylor Swift's 12th studio album, "The Life of a Showgirl," arrived on Friday with a promotional blitz including midnight sales at Target stores, a release party at movie theaters around the globe and pop-up experiences in New York and Los Angeles. SPORTS TENNIS-BEIJING Tennis-Ruthless Anisimova ousts defending champion Gauff to reach China Open final BEIJING – U.S. Open runner-up Amanda Anisimova advanced to her second WTA 1000 final of the year on Saturday, outclassing defending champion Coco Gauff 6-1 6-2 in the semi-finals of the China Open. CRICKET-INDIA-SQUAD Cricket-India name Gill ODI captain, Rohit, Kohli in squad for Australia tour NEW DELHI – Shubman Gill was named India's 50-overs captain on Saturday in place of Rohit Sharma, who was named in the squad along with batting stalwart Virat Kohli for three one-day internationals in Australia this month. UPCOMING POLITICS / INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS CZECH-ELECTION/PRESIDENT (TV) Czech president starts talks with party leaders on forming new government President Petr Pavel is expected to start consultations with leaders of parties who win parliamentary seats in the Oct 3-4 election on forming a new government. The president is a key player at this stage as he has the right to appoint the prime minister. 5 Oct

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