The US government shutdown has led to widespread flight cancellations and delays, with transportation officials warning that air travel could be severely reduced if the shutdown continues, amid ongoing political disagreements over funding.
The ongoing US government shutdown, now the longest in history, is severely impacting air travel, disrupting supply chains, and threatening negative economic growth, with officials warning of widespread consequences during the holiday season and beyond.
The US government has announced that starting November 1, federal food aid through SNAP will cease due to the ongoing government shutdown, which is now the second-longest on record. The USDA states contingency funds cannot cover regular benefits, raising concerns for millions of Americans relying on food assistance amid political disagreements between Democrats and Republicans.
The U.S. government shutdown, now the second-longest in history at 22 days, continues as Democrats and Republicans remain at an impasse over funding, with ongoing protests, legislative efforts, and political blame being exchanged.
The US pipeline of military aid to Ukraine is under threat as Republicans in Congress have embroiled the aid package in a separate immigration dispute, leaving Ukraine running out of time and money. The White House has warned that cutting off aid would kneecap Ukraine on the battlefield and improve Putin's strategic position. Rising doubts over the US commitment coincide with Russia's reconstitution of its forces and armaments, as well as the possibility of a second Trump term, which could reshape US foreign policy. The failure to provide aid not only jeopardizes Ukraine's survival but also undermines the reputation of the US as a global leader.
The recent Spanish election resulted in a hung parliament, with no bloc on the left or right winning enough seats to form a majority. Former Catalan regional government head Carles Puigdemont, who is in self-imposed exile in Belgium, could hold the key to breaking the impasse. Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez may need the support of Puigdemont's Junts party in exchange for concessions on independence. The ruling Socialists and far-left Sumar have more possibilities for negotiating support from small Basque and Catalan separatist parties. However, Puigdemont has previously stated that his party will not support Sanchez. The Catalan independence movement continues to lose votes, and negotiations are expected to be challenging. If no candidate secures a majority within two months, new elections must be held.