U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) expressed confidence on Thursday that he has secured the necessary votes to pass a stopgap funding bill, aimed at preventing a partial government shutdown. The bill, known as a continuing resolution (CR), is scheduled for a House vote on Friday. If approved, it will proceed to the Senate for further consideration before reaching Republican President Donald Trump for final approval. Johnson emphasized the importance of keeping the government operational during an interview on Fox News’ ‘Special Report with Bret Baier,’ stating, ‘We’ll do the right thing: keep the government open.’ The move comes as Congress faces a tight deadline to reach a funding agreement, with just two weeks remaining to avert a shutdown. The ongoing negotiations highlight the challenges of bipartisan cooperation in a politically divided landscape.
作者： admin
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As Senate goes ‘nuclear,’ dozens of Trump nominees are confirmed
In a significant move reflecting the deepening partisan divisions in the U.S. Senate, President Donald Trump’s nominees for various diplomatic, military, and administrative positions were confirmed en masse on Thursday, September 18, 2025. The confirmation, which passed with a 51-47 vote, saw 48 nominees approved for ambassadorial and sub-cabinet level roles. Notably, the vote was strictly along party lines, with Republicans supporting the nominations and Democrats opposing them. Two Republicans abstained from voting.
Among the high-profile confirmations were Kimberly Guilfoyle, a former Fox News personality and fiancée of Donald Trump Jr., who was appointed as the U.S. Ambassador to Greece. Callista Gingrich, former ambassador to the Vatican and wife of ex-House Speaker Newt Gingrich, was confirmed as the Ambassador to Switzerland and Liechtenstein.
The confirmation process was expedited after Republicans invoked the ‘nuclear option’ earlier this month, altering Senate rules to limit the minority party’s ability to delay nominations. This procedural change allows the majority to bundle large groups of nominees for a single confirmation vote, rather than addressing them individually. However, the new rules do not apply to the confirmation of federal judges or heads of presidential Cabinet agencies.
The approved nominees also included key positions within the Defense Department, such as assistant secretaries for defense, the Army, and the Air Force. Additionally, roles in the Agriculture, Housing, Interior, and Transportation departments were filled.
Since President Trump’s second term began on January 20, 2025, the Senate has witnessed increasing polarization, with Republicans largely backing the president’s nominees and initiatives, while Democrats have consistently opposed them. Both parties have accused each other of refusing to compromise, further exacerbating the political divide.
The confirmation vote underscores the ongoing challenges in the U.S. political landscape, where partisan loyalty continues to shape legislative outcomes.
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Fans, food and fast feet: Africa’s top shots
This week, Africa showcased a vibrant tapestry of cultural, culinary, and athletic achievements, capturing the world’s attention. In Lagos, Nigeria, Comic Con Africa brought together enthusiasts of gaming, comics, and animation. Among the attendees was 23-year-old Toni Olaguniu, who dressed as Mother Miranda from *Resident Evil*, and 24-year-old Toby Adekunle, who embodied Ekko from *League of Legends*. The event, held annually in cities worldwide, celebrates the creativity and passion of super-fans. Meanwhile, Nigerian chef Hilda Baci and her team made headlines by creating the world’s largest vat of jollof rice, weighing nearly nine tonnes, a testament to West Africa’s culinary prowess. In Paris, Ivorian cuisine took center stage at the Gastronomic Village, where over 60 countries showcased their culinary heritage. On the athletic front, Ethiopia’s Sembo Almayew set a personal best in the 3000m steeplechase in Japan, while Kenya’s Beatrice Chebet triumphed in the 10,000m race at the World Athletics Championships. In Malawi, political fervor gripped the nation as supporters of the governing MCP rallied ahead of the presidential election, with both the president and the main opposition leader claiming victory despite delayed official results. Elsewhere, Nigerian artist Nnenna Okoreon displayed her eco-conscious artwork, *Between Earth and Sky*, at London’s Kew Gardens, highlighting the intersection of plants, textiles, and sustainability. In Mogadishu, Somalia, 17-year-old Zakaria Mohamed demonstrated community spirit by caring for pigeons in his neighborhood. Finally, Beninese music icon Angélique Kidjo captivated audiences with a powerful performance at the Vatican, reaffirming her status as a global cultural ambassador. These stories underscore Africa’s dynamic contributions to global culture, sports, and innovation.
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New Zealand’s new central bank governor to face credibility test
New Zealand’s Reserve Bank (RBNZ) is poised for a significant leadership transition as Finance Minister Nicola Willis prepares to announce a new governor in the coming weeks. This decision comes at a critical juncture for the central bank, which has been grappling with economic instability, reputational damage, and political scrutiny. Interim Governor Christian Hawkesby, who has expressed his desire to retain the position, has emphasized the bank’s commitment to stabilizing inflation and fostering a resilient financial system. However, the RBNZ faces mounting challenges, including a weak economy, high unemployment, and public dissatisfaction with its handling of inflation and interest rates. The departure of former Governor Adrian Orr and Chairman Neil Quigley has further exacerbated the bank’s struggles, leaving it in need of strong leadership to restore public trust and independence. Potential candidates for the role include John McDermott, former RBNZ chief economist, and Dominick Stephens, Treasury’s chief economist, both of whom have declined to comment on their interest. The new governor will inherit the daunting task of navigating economic recovery while defending the bank’s autonomy from an increasingly vocal government. Experts suggest that an external candidate might be better positioned to implement necessary reforms and rebuild confidence in the institution.
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Five Pennsylvania cops shot, three fatally, were ambushed by accused stalker
A tragic shooting incident in North Codorus Township, Pennsylvania, has left three police officers dead and two others critically injured. The ambush occurred on September 17, 2025, when officers attempted to serve an arrest warrant on Matthew Ruth, a 24-year-old suspected stalker. Armed with an AR-15-style rifle, Ruth opened fire on the officers as they entered a farmhouse belonging to his ex-girlfriend and her mother. The confrontation resulted in a deadly gunfight that claimed the lives of three detectives and the suspect. The incident has drawn national attention, with Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro addressing the issue of gun violence in the wake of the tragedy. This marks the second fatal shooting involving law enforcement in York County within seven months, following a hostage siege at a local hospital earlier this year.
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Congressman Raskin urges Democrats to avoid ‘trap,’ vote for Charlie Kirk honor
In a pivotal moment on Capitol Hill, U.S. Representative Jamie Raskin (D-MD), a prominent liberal figure, called on his Democratic colleagues to support a Republican resolution honoring the late conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The resolution, introduced in the wake of Kirk’s assassination last week in Utah, has ignited a nationwide political storm. President Donald Trump and his allies have seized the moment to condemn left-leaning groups, accusing them of threatening national unity. Raskin, addressing the House Judiciary Committee, urged lawmakers to focus on the core message of the resolution—condemning political violence—rather than its partisan undertones. ‘We must rise above the political trap and unite as Americans to denounce all forms of violence,’ Raskin asserted. The resolution, which lauds Kirk’s influence in rallying young voters to the MAGA movement, is expected to pass the Republican-controlled House. Kirk’s controversial statements, including critiques of transgender Americans and affirmative action, had previously drawn sharp criticism from progressives. The debate over the resolution has already had ripple effects, with late-night host Jimmy Kimmel facing backlash and being temporarily pulled off the air for comments deemed offensive by Trump supporters. As the nation grapples with the fallout from Kirk’s death, Raskin’s plea for unity underscores the deepening political divides in the U.S.
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British spies turn to dark web to recruit Russian agents, access secrets
In a groundbreaking move, Britain’s Secret Intelligence Service (MI6) has unveiled a new dark web portal named ‘Silent Courier’ to recruit informants and securely receive classified information from agents worldwide, including Russia. The initiative, announced by MI6 chief Richard Moore during a speech in Istanbul, aims to leverage the anonymity of the dark web to gather intelligence on global instability, international terrorism, and hostile state activities. The portal will allow individuals to share details about illicit operations or offer their services to MI6 without compromising their identities. This marks a significant shift for MI6, which traditionally relied on face-to-face meetings for intelligence gathering. Instructions on accessing the portal will be available on MI6’s YouTube channel. Foreign Minister Yvette Copper emphasized the importance of staying ahead of adversaries in an evolving threat landscape. The announcement coincides with Moore’s impending departure after five years as MI6 chief, with Blaise Metreweli set to become the agency’s first female head.
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Second migrant removed to France after court bid fails
An Eritrean man has been deported from the UK to France under the government’s ‘one in, one out’ migration agreement, marking the second such removal since the policy was introduced. The man, whose identity remains undisclosed, was escorted by Home Office officials on an Air France flight from Heathrow to Paris. This action follows a failed last-minute court appeal to delay his departure, with the presiding judge ruling there was no legal justification to halt the process. The ‘one in, one out’ scheme, a year-long pilot agreement between the UK and France, aims to deter illegal small boat crossings by returning migrants to France while allowing asylum seekers with strong cases to enter the UK in exchange. The first deportation under this policy involved an Indian national, who was returned to France earlier this month. The Eritrean man, who arrived in the UK via a small boat in August, had claimed to be a victim of human trafficking. However, the judge noted inconsistencies in his account, leading to the decision to proceed with his removal. The Home Office has confirmed that more flights are planned, though ongoing legal challenges may affect their execution. Since the scheme began in August, approximately 5,590 migrants have reached the UK, with around 100 currently detained in immigration removal centers near Heathrow.
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Foreign holdings of US Treasuries surge to all-time high in July, China’s sink
Foreign holdings of U.S. Treasuries reached an unprecedented high in July, according to the latest data from the U.S. Treasury Department. The total value of foreign-owned U.S. Treasuries climbed to $9.159 trillion, marking a third consecutive month of record-breaking figures. This surge was primarily driven by increased investments from Japan and the United Kingdom, which solidified their positions as the top non-U.S. holders of American government debt. Japan’s holdings rose to $1.151 trillion, the highest since March 2024, while the UK’s holdings grew by approximately 5% to nearly $900 billion. In contrast, China continued to reduce its exposure to U.S. Treasuries, with holdings dropping to $730.7 billion, the lowest level since December 2008. This decline reflects China’s long-term strategy to diversify its reserves and reduce reliance on the U.S. dollar, amid economic challenges and trade tensions. On a transactional basis, the U.S. saw $58.2 billion in foreign inflows of Treasuries in July, rebounding from outflows in June. However, foreign investors sold $16.3 billion in U.S. equities during the same period, signaling a shift in global investment preferences. The net capital inflow into the U.S. also fell sharply to $2.1 billion in July, down from $92 billion in June, highlighting the volatile nature of international capital movements.
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Cyber attacks cost German economy 300 bln euros in past year, survey finds
The German economy suffered staggering losses of nearly €300 billion ($354.99 billion) over the past year due to a surge in cyberattacks, according to a recent survey by industry group Bitkom. The report, unveiled on September 18, 2025, in Berlin, highlights that foreign intelligence agencies, particularly from Russia and China, are increasingly behind these attacks, overshadowing traditional cybercriminals. Ralf Wintergerst, President of Bitkom, emphasized during a press conference that nearly half of the companies able to trace the origins of attacks identified Russia and China as the primary sources, while a quarter pointed to other EU countries or the United States. The survey, which polled 1,002 companies, revealed that ransomware attacks, which lock data until a ransom is paid, were the most prevalent, affecting 34% of businesses—a significant jump from 12% in 2022. One in seven companies admitted to paying ransoms. While large corporations were generally well-prepared for the escalating cyber threats, small and medium-sized enterprises, which form the backbone of Germany’s economy, were found to be more vulnerable. The €289.2 billion in damages primarily stemmed from production losses, theft, and substantial legal and remediation costs. Sinan Selen, Deputy Head of Germany’s domestic security service BfV, noted that the lines between cybercrime and cyberespionage are increasingly blurred, with state actors often purchasing credentials from criminals on the dark web. He also identified Iran and North Korea as significant sources of cyberattacks. The findings underscore the growing complexity of cybersecurity in an era of heightened geopolitical tensions, particularly since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.