The United States government shutdown has entered its fourth week as Senate leaders failed to pass critical spending proposals, deepening the political impasse. Both Republican and Democratic proposals fell short of the required 60-vote threshold, leaving federal operations in limbo. Senate Majority Leader John Thune and House Speaker Mike Johnson have squarely blamed Democrats for the crisis, while Democrats accuse Republicans of obstructing progress on healthcare reforms. The White House has warned of mass layoffs to sustain essential services, with Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt describing the situation as a matter of ‘fiscal sanity.’ The potential scale of these layoffs remains unclear, but discussions with the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) are ongoing. The core disagreement centers on healthcare, with Democrats aiming to protect low-income health insurance subsidies and reverse Medicaid cuts, while Republicans accuse Democrats of prioritizing healthcare for undocumented immigrants. Votes on both proposals revealed stark partisan divides, with 54 Senators supporting the Republican plan and 45 backing the Democratic alternative. Meanwhile, the White House has suspended billions in federal infrastructure funding for Democratic-led states, including Chicago and New York City. Minority Leader Chuck Schumer emphasized the urgency of resolving the healthcare issue, warning of devastating consequences if no action is taken. Early polls indicate a divided public, with 47% blaming Republicans and 30% blaming Democrats for the shutdown. As negotiations remain stalled, the economic toll continues to mount, with estimates suggesting a $15 billion weekly loss in GDP.
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Man charged with murder after body found in fishing town
A 57-year-old man, James Spendley, has been formally charged with the murder of 61-year-old Eddie Friel in County Donegal, Republic of Ireland. The incident dates back to April, when Mr. Friel’s body was discovered at his residence on Harbour View Drive in Killybegs on April 13. Spendley, a resident of St Cummin’s Hill in Killybegs, appeared before Ballyshannon District Court on Friday, where a prior charge of intentionally or recklessly causing serious harm was dismissed, and a murder charge was introduced instead, as reported by Irish broadcaster RTÉ. A detective from the Irish police (garda) informed the court that Spendley was re-arrested, charged, and cautioned at Ballyshannon Garda Station on Friday, to which the accused remained silent. The court was also informed that the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions has directed the case to be handled by the Central Criminal Court. Spendley has been in custody since April 15. His solicitor, Gerry McGovern, indicated that the book of evidence would require approximately a month to be finalized. The judge has ordered Spendley to appear before Sligo District Court via video link on Thursday.
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Prolonged shutdown could push US economy over the edge
The ongoing federal government shutdown, which began on October 1, 2025, poses a significant threat to the U.S. economy, with its impact largely dependent on its duration. While a swift resolution would minimize economic damage, a prolonged shutdown could push the already fragile economy into a recession. The U.S. labor market is already under strain, with consumer confidence waning and uncertainty escalating. Economists warn that the indirect effects of the shutdown, such as reduced consumer spending and business confidence, could be more detrimental than the direct economic losses. Consumer spending, which accounts for 70% of economic activity, is particularly vulnerable to a decline in confidence. The shutdown has already delayed federal discretionary spending, with the Congressional Budget Office estimating an $11 billion reduction in real GDP during the 2018-2019 shutdown. Although most of the lost output was recovered post-shutdown, permanent losses amounted to $3 billion. The current shutdown could exacerbate existing economic challenges, including a stagnant labor market, rising long-term unemployment, and reduced labor demand due to AI adoption and cost-cutting measures. Federal Reserve rate cuts, while expected to stimulate spending, are unlikely to address deeper structural issues such as government deficits, household budget constraints, and a shrinking labor force. The shutdown’s psychological impact on consumers and businesses could further destabilize the economy, making a swift resolution critical to avoiding long-term economic damage.
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Storm Amy: More than 180,000 lose power, man seriously injured in ROI
Monaghan County Council has issued urgent warnings to motorists as parts of Monaghan town experience severe flooding due to Storm Amy. The storm has wreaked havoc across the Republic of Ireland, leaving nearly 200,000 homes without electricity. Gale-force winds have triggered localized flooding, downed trees, disrupted transport, and forced school closures in several areas. County Donegal faced the brunt of the storm, with a red weather warning in effect from 16:00 until 18:00, later downgraded to an orange alert until 22:00. A man in Letterkenny sustained serious injuries in a weather-related incident, prompting immediate response from gardaí and emergency services. The Electricity Supply Board (ESB) is working tirelessly to restore power to 184,000 affected homes, farms, and businesses, primarily in Donegal, Galway, Mayo, Sligo, Roscommon, Leitrim, and Cavan. However, further outages are anticipated. Dublin Airport has canceled 58 flights and diverted nine inbound flights due to the storm. Counties Donegal, Clare, Galway, Leitrim, Mayo, Roscommon, and Sligo remain under an orange wind warning until 22:00, while a yellow wind warning covers the entire Republic until midnight on Saturday. A red marine warning has also been issued for violent storm force 11 winds along the west coast. The storm’s impact extends to Northern Ireland and Scotland, causing widespread flight and train cancellations, as well as road closures.
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Four killed in latest US strike on alleged drug vessel near Venezuela
In a recent escalation of its anti-narcotics operations, US forces carried out a deadly strike on a boat off the coast of Venezuela, killing four individuals allegedly involved in drug trafficking. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed the attack, stating that the vessel was transporting substantial quantities of narcotics destined for the United States. The strike occurred in international waters within the US Southern Command’s jurisdiction, which spans much of South America and the Caribbean. Hegseth emphasized that the operation was based on confirmed intelligence, labeling those onboard as ‘narco-terrorists’ operating on a known drug trafficking route. This marks the fourth such strike by the US in a month, following previous attacks in the southern Caribbean that resulted in multiple fatalities. US President Donald Trump also commented on the incident via his Truth Social platform, claiming the boat carried enough drugs to ‘kill 25 to 50 thousand people.’ However, the US has yet to provide evidence supporting its claims or disclose the identities of those killed. Venezuela, which has previously condemned such strikes, has not issued an immediate response. President Nicolás Maduro has characterized these actions as US ‘aggression’ and vowed to defend his country. The US government’s recent classification of its operations as a ‘non-international armed conflict’ with drug cartels signals a potential expansion of military action, raising concerns about the legality and implications of such measures. Critics argue that this framing could grant the administration wartime powers, including the ability to detain individuals indefinitely or target ‘enemy fighters’ without immediate threat. Trump has not clarified why drug trafficking is being treated as an ‘armed attack’ or identified specific cartels allegedly targeting the US. This approach mirrors tactics used against al-Qaeda post-9/11 and has drawn criticism from international legal experts who question the strikes’ compliance with international law.
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They fled to south Gaza as ordered. Then Israel killed them
In the midst of escalating violence in Gaza, Palestinian cameraman Sami Dawoud sought refuge in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza, after fleeing intensified Israeli bombing in Gaza City. Despite relocating to an area deemed safer, Dawoud and his family faced tragedy when an Israeli air strike hit their tent, killing him and his daughter. Dawoud, described by friends as deeply protective of his family, had been displaced multiple times since the onset of Israel’s military operations in October 2023. His friend and colleague, photographer Yahya Barzaq, recounted Dawoud’s unwavering commitment to his family’s safety, even as they moved from one precarious shelter to another. Barzaq himself met a similar fate, killed in an air strike just days after speaking to Middle East Eye about Dawoud’s death. The strikes have claimed the lives of 1,903 Palestinians in central and southern Gaza since mid-August, according to the Gaza-based Government Media Office. Both Dawoud and Barzaq were respected members of Gaza’s journalist community, their deaths highlighting the peril faced by civilians and media professionals in the conflict. Barzaq, known for his work as a newborn photographer, had documented the lives of children later killed in the war, expressing his anguish over the suffering of Gaza’s youngest residents. The ongoing violence has left countless families displaced and vulnerable, with no safe haven from the relentless bombardment.
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A court in Tunisia sentenced a man to death for Facebook posts seen as insulting to the president
In a groundbreaking and controversial decision, a Tunisian court has handed down a death sentence to a 51-year-old man for Facebook posts deemed offensive to President Kais Saied and a threat to national security. Saber Chouchen, a father of three and occasional day laborer, was convicted on charges of attempting to overthrow the state, insulting the president, and disseminating false information online. The court ruled that his posts incited violence and chaos, violating Tunisia’s penal code and the contentious 2022 cybercrime law, Decree 54. This marks the first death sentence of its kind in Tunisia, where dozens have faced severe prison terms under similar charges since Saied consolidated power in July 2021. Although Tunisia retains capital punishment in its legal framework, no executions have been carried out since 1991. Chouchen’s lawyer, Oussama Bouthelja, described his client as socially vulnerable and of limited education, emphasizing that his posts were largely copied from other sources and intended to highlight his dire living conditions rather than incite unrest. The ruling has drawn sharp criticism from journalists and human rights groups, who view Decree 54 as a tool to suppress free expression. Tunisia, once celebrated as a democratic beacon following the 2011 Arab Spring, has seen a significant erosion of political freedoms under Saied’s authoritarian rule. Rights advocates warn that this case sets a dangerous precedent for the use of the death penalty in cases involving online speech.
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Conservative church group condemns choice of female Archbishop of Canterbury
In a historic move, Dame Sarah Mullally has been appointed as the first female Archbishop of Canterbury, marking a significant milestone for the Church of England and the global Anglican Communion. Her appointment, announced on Friday, has sparked both celebration and controversy within the religious community. In her inaugural address, Dame Sarah emphasized unity, quoting, ‘If you want to go fast, go alone – if you want to go far, go together.’ However, her selection has deepened existing divisions, particularly among conservative factions. The Global Fellowship of Confessing Anglicans (Gafcon), a network of conservative churches primarily in Africa and Asia, expressed ‘sorrow’ over the decision, citing theological objections to female leadership and same-sex blessings. Conversely, the Church of Southern Africa hailed the appointment as ‘historic,’ reflecting a broader liberal shift within the Church of England. The Anglican Communion has long been divided over issues such as the ordination of women bishops and the acceptance of same-sex relationships, with conservative leaders like Archbishop Laurent Mbanda of Rwanda arguing that ‘the majority of the Anglican Communion still believes in a male-only episcopacy.’ Despite these tensions, progressive voices, including Bishop Emily Onyango of Kenya, have welcomed Dame Sarah’s leadership, describing it as ‘a new dawn’ for the Church. As the first woman to hold this prestigious role, Dame Sarah faces the dual challenge of fostering unity and addressing pressing social issues, particularly in Africa, where women and children continue to suffer. Her leadership will undoubtedly shape the future of the Anglican Communion, as it navigates its complex and evolving identity.
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‘No good outcome’ – voters across US share concerns about shutdown
The ongoing US government shutdown has ignited a fierce blame game between Democrats and Republicans, leaving thousands of federal workers on unpaid leave and critical services in limbo. With no resolution in sight, both parties are locked in a stalemate over key issues, including healthcare subsidies and government spending. Democrats are refusing to support the Republican-backed spending plan unless expiring healthcare subsidies, which they argue are vital for working families, are renewed. Conversely, Republicans are pushing for a short-term funding bill before addressing the subsidies, further deepening the impasse.
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Yuan lies in wait as Trump pushes buck to the brink
TOKYO — The past year has painted a paradoxical picture for the US dollar, leaving analysts divided on its trajectory. On one hand, the dollar remains a dominant force in global currency markets, with the latest data from the Bank for International Settlements (BIS) revealing its involvement in 89% of all foreign exchange transactions. This statistic underscores the dollar’s entrenched position as the world’s primary reserve currency, seemingly immune to challenges. On the other hand, the Chinese yuan’s growing influence, now accounting for 8.5% of global transactions, has sparked concerns about the dollar’s long-term supremacy. This rise in the yuan’s share is seen by some as a potential threat to Washington’s financial dominance. The situation is further complicated by the global foreign exchange market’s apparent indifference to the United States’ deteriorating economic fundamentals. Despite mounting debt, inflationary pressures, and political instability, traders continue to favor the dollar, highlighting its unique role in the global financial system. As the yuan gains traction, the question remains: Is the dollar’s hegemony unassailable, or is it on the brink of a gradual decline?