The United States government shutdown has now reached its 36th day, setting a new record as the longest closure in American history. The impasse, which began on October 1, stems from Congress’s failure to agree on a new funding deal. This has left hundreds of thousands of federal employees without pay and disrupted essential services for millions of Americans. Despite weeks of gridlock between Democrats and Republicans, there are faint signs of potential progress. Senate Majority Leader John Thune, a top Republican, expressed cautious optimism, stating that a breakthrough might be imminent. The previous record for a government shutdown was 35 days, set during President Donald Trump’s first term in 2019. The ongoing shutdown has had severe consequences, with thousands of federal workers missing paychecks and growing concerns about disruptions to air travel. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned that parts of U.S. airspace might have to be closed if the shutdown continues, as 13,000 air traffic controllers are working without pay. Low-income Americans relying on government assistance programs like SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) are also feeling the strain. While a court ruling ensured partial SNAP benefits this month, President Trump has suggested he may defy the order unless Democrats agree to reopen the government. Efforts to pass a short-term funding bill have repeatedly failed in the Senate, with Democrats demanding healthcare subsidies for low-income Americans and Republicans accusing them of holding the government hostage. As the November 21 funding deadline approaches, there is increasing pressure for a compromise, with some moderate lawmakers signaling a willingness to negotiate ahead of Thanksgiving.
博客
-
As world leaders enter climate talks, people in poverty have the most at stake
In the Arara neighborhood of northern Rio de Janeiro, summer heatwaves are becoming increasingly severe, leaving residents like Luis Cassiano, a 30-year resident, deeply concerned. Despite having air conditioning, Cassiano often cannot rely on it due to frequent power outages caused by an overloaded system. His green roof, installed a decade ago, provides some relief, keeping his home up to 15 degrees Celsius cooler than his neighbors’. However, the relentless heat remains a significant challenge. ‘The sun in the summer nowadays is scary,’ Cassiano remarked. As world leaders gather in Brazil for climate talks, the plight of communities like Arara underscores the urgent need for action. Poorer areas are more vulnerable to extreme weather and less equipped to cope with its impacts. Effective climate solutions require not only pledges to reduce emissions but also the political will and financial resources to implement them. The United Nations estimates that 1.1 billion people worldwide live in acute poverty, making climate adaptation a critical issue. The choice of Belem, a relatively poor city, to host these talks has been praised for highlighting the intersection of climate change and poverty. Inger Andersen, executive director of the U.N. Environment Programme, noted that Belem represents the reality for the majority of the global population affected by climate change. Even in wealthy countries, the poor face significant climate risks. A U.N. Development Programme report found that 82% of people living in poverty in highly developed countries are exposed to climate hazards such as extreme heat, drought, floods, and air pollution. Carter Brandon, a senior fellow at the World Resources Institute, emphasized that poverty exacerbates vulnerability to climate change, as those affected often lack the resources to relocate or rebuild after disasters. Agriculture is particularly at risk, with crop yields expected to decline significantly in poorer countries. Heriberto Tapia of the UNDP highlighted Africa as a major concern, with over 500 million people in poverty relying on agriculture for their livelihoods. Ismahane Elouafi of CGIAR noted that while technology could help, many farmers cannot afford it. Despite the urgency, some experts are skeptical that COP30 will deliver the necessary funding. Brazilian officials hope that hosting the talks in Belem will remind negotiators of the daily struggles faced by millions due to climate change. However, Kimberly Marion Suiseeya of Duke University expressed doubts about the likelihood of rapid action emerging from the conference. Pedro Conceição of the UNDP stressed that poverty reduction and climate action are interconnected, rejecting the notion that they are separate issues. Bill Gates has called for a shift in focus from emissions reduction to alleviating human suffering, particularly in poor countries. Conceição argued that climate change is not a distant problem but a present reality that must be addressed alongside poverty.
-
Pakistan win ODI against South Africa in last over as Salman shows the way
In a nail-biting finish at Faisalabad, Pakistan clinched a dramatic two-wicket victory over South Africa in the first of three One Day Internationals (ODIs) on Tuesday. Chasing a target of 264, Pakistan’s Salman Ali Agha emerged as the hero, scoring a crucial 62 runs to guide his team to victory with just two balls to spare. The match, marked by intense moments and strategic plays, showcased the resilience of both teams. South Africa, batting first, posted a competitive total of 263, thanks to notable contributions from Quinton de Kock (63) and Corbin Bosch (41). Pakistan’s chase was anchored by a solid 87-run opening partnership between Fakhar Zaman (45) and Saim Ayub (39), followed by a pivotal 91-run stand between Mohammad Rizwan (55) and Salman. Despite a late collapse that saw three wickets fall in quick succession, new captain Shaheen Shah Afridi steadied the ship to secure the win. The series continues on Thursday at Iqbal Stadium, which is hosting international cricket after a 17-year hiatus.
-
California voters approve redistricting. Will it tip the balance of power in Washington?
California voters have approved Proposition 50, a redistricting measure designed to favor Democrats in the upcoming 2026 midterm elections. The initiative aims to reconfigure voting districts to potentially secure five House seats currently held by Republicans. This move is seen as a counterattack against similar efforts by Republican-led states, intensifying the nationwide battle for control of the U.S. House of Representatives.
-
At least 10 killed in Bosnia nursing home fire
A devastating fire erupted at a nursing home in Tuzla, northeastern Bosnia-Herzegovina, on Tuesday night, resulting in the deaths of 10 residents and injuring 20 others, according to local police. The blaze began at approximately 20:45 local time (19:45 GMT) on the seventh floor of the retirement facility. Emergency responders, including firefighters, police officers, medical personnel, and staff, rushed to the scene, with around 20 individuals transported to a nearby medical center for treatment. Among the injured were several patients suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning, three of whom required intensive care. The cause of the fire remains undetermined, prompting Prime Minister Nermin Nikšić to describe the incident as “a disaster of enormous proportions.” Authorities have pledged a thorough investigation once conditions permit. Željko Komšić, Chairman of Bosnia-Herzegovina’s tripartite presidency, extended condolences to the families of the victims and those injured. Eyewitness accounts, including that of resident Ruza Kajic, who lived on the third floor, described chaotic scenes as flames engulfed the upper floors, where many bed-ridden individuals resided. Footage from the scene captured the intensity of the blaze, with flames visible from the building’s windows. The tragedy has cast a somber shadow over the community, raising questions about safety protocols in such facilities.
-
What we know about deadly Kentucky cargo plane crash
A catastrophic cargo plane crash at Louisville International Airport on Tuesday evening has resulted in at least seven fatalities, with fears that the death toll may rise. The UPS-operated flight 2976, an MD-11F aircraft, veered off the runway during takeoff at approximately 17:15 local time, igniting a massive fire that engulfed nearby buildings. The incident has triggered a large-scale emergency response to contain the blaze and mitigate further risks. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear confirmed that two businesses, Kentucky Petroleum Recycling and Grade A Auto Parts, were directly impacted by the crash. Unverified footage shows the plane already ablaze as it skidded off the runway. The fire spread rapidly, prompting authorities to issue shelter-in-place orders for residents within a one-mile radius due to concerns over air pollution and potential explosions. All airport operations have been suspended indefinitely. Officials have reported eleven injuries so far, with the number expected to increase. The cause of the crash remains under investigation, though the substantial fuel load on the aircraft, which was en route to Hawaii, likely exacerbated the fire. Louisville Fire Department Chief Brian O’Neal described the scene as “very dangerous” due to the spilled fuel. Searches are ongoing to locate two missing workers from the auto parts business, and it remains unclear how many customers were present at the time of the crash. The MD-11F, a triple-engine cargo plane, has been in service for 34 years. Authorities have assured the public that the aircraft was not carrying hazardous materials.
-
World shares retreat after losses for Big Tech pull US stocks lower
Global financial markets experienced significant turbulence on Wednesday, triggered by a sharp decline in Big Tech shares on Wall Street. The ripple effects were felt across Europe and Asia, with major indices initially plunging before partially recovering. Tokyo’s Nikkei 225 index, which had plummeted nearly 5% during the day, managed to pare losses to close 2.5% lower at 50,212.27. Similarly, European markets saw declines, with Germany’s DAX dropping 0.7% and France’s CAC 40 shedding 0.4%. The UK’s FTSE 100 edged 0.1% lower. In the U.S., futures for the S&P 500 slipped 0.1%, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average futures inched 0.1% higher. The tech-driven sell-off was particularly pronounced in Asia, where SoftBank Group’s shares tumbled 10% amid concerns over its artificial intelligence investments. Other tech giants, including Tokyo Electron and Advantest Corp., also saw significant declines. Toyota Motor Corp. reported a 7% drop in profits for the April-September period but raised its annual earnings forecast despite U.S. tariff pressures. South Korea’s Kospi fell 2.9%, driven by losses in Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix. Chinese markets showed mixed performance, with the Shanghai Composite edging 0.2% higher while Hong Kong’s Hang Seng dipped 0.1%. The tech sector’s volatility has been a key driver of market movements this year, with companies like Nvidia and Microsoft exerting outsized influence. Gold prices, often seen as a safe haven, rose 0.8% to $3,990.90 per ounce amid the uncertainty. Analysts described the sell-off as a ‘reality check’ for markets that had been riding a prolonged rally. Wall Street remains focused on corporate earnings, with most S&P 500 companies surpassing expectations. However, the U.S. government shutdown has added to the uncertainty, leaving investors without crucial economic data. Tesla shares fell 5.1% after Norway’s sovereign wealth fund opposed a controversial compensation package for CEO Elon Musk. In commodities, U.S. benchmark crude oil and Brent crude both declined by 14 cents per barrel.
-
‘He’s just on it’: New Yorkers laud Mamdani’s energy and progressive politics on election day
The New York City mayoral election witnessed a significant voter turnout, with over 1.2 million ballots cast, surpassing the previous election’s total. The race, marked by high stakes, pits Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani against former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, representing a clash between progressive ideals and established political power. Mamdani, a 34-year-old Muslim Democratic Socialist, has garnered attention for his vision of a more inclusive and affordable city, resonating particularly in neighborhoods like Brooklyn’s Bedford-Stuyvesant (BedStuy), which has been heavily impacted by gentrification. Residents such as Nesby and Memeshwarie Hardy expressed their support for Mamdani, citing his focus on addressing the cost-of-living crisis and his commitment to representing all New Yorkers. Mamdani’s campaign has been notable for its outreach to diverse communities, often in their native languages, and his promises to freeze rent prices, provide free and fast buses, and implement universal childcare. Supporters like Sarah Jaffe and Elton Garcia Sosa highlighted Mamdani’s authenticity and his opposition to Israel’s policies as key reasons for their backing. Despite the enthusiasm, some voters remained skeptical of political promises, while others, like Christian Jay Smith, felt detached from the election’s outcome. The election’s energy was palpable in BedStuy, where residents like Jasmine and Donna Cleary praised Mamdani’s advocacy and outspokenness. The campaign’s extensive canvassing efforts, including knocking on three million doors, underscored its grassroots approach. As New Yorkers await the results, the election represents a pivotal moment for the city’s future, with Mamdani’s progressive agenda challenging the status quo.
-
France investigates Shein and Temu after sex doll scandal
Online retail giants Shein, Temu, AliExpress, and Wish are under investigation in France for allegedly enabling minors to access pornographic content on their platforms, the Paris prosecutor announced on Tuesday. The probe follows a report by the country’s consumer watchdog, which raised concerns over the sale of childlike sex dolls on Shein’s platform. The watchdog referred the matter to the prosecution service on Sunday. The Paris prosecutor’s office confirmed that the platforms are being scrutinized for hosting violent, pornographic, or ‘undignified messages’ accessible to minors. AliExpress responded by stating it takes the issue seriously and has removed the offending listings, while Shein announced a global ban on the sale of all sex dolls and stricter platform controls. The French consumer watchdog highlighted that the descriptions and categorizations of the sex dolls left ‘little doubt as to the child pornography nature’ of the products. The investigation coincides with Shein’s launch of its first permanent physical outlet in Paris on Wednesday, amidst protests. The company, founded in China, also plans to expand its presence in other French cities, including Dijon, Reims, and Angers.
-
Australia announces 15-member squad for first Ashes Test in Perth
Australia has unveiled its 15-member squad for the opening Ashes Test against England in Perth, with Steve Smith stepping in as captain following Pat Cummins’ injury. Travis Head has been appointed as vice-captain. The squad, announced by chairman of selectors George Bailey, aims for a balanced composition, with 14 players participating in the upcoming Sheffield Shield matches to fine-tune their form. Three newcomers—batsman Jake Weatherald and bowlers Brendan Doggett and Sean Abbott—are set to make their Test debuts, with Weatherald vying for an opening spot alongside Marnus Labuschagne and Usman Khawaja. All-rounders Cameron Green and Beau Webster, along with wicketkeeper Alex Carey and reserve Josh Inglis, complete the lineup. The bowling attack features Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Starc, and Scott Boland. Bailey expressed optimism about Cummins’ potential return later in the series. Weatherald’s consistent performance over the past 18 months earned him a spot, with Bailey praising his complementary style. The final XI remains undecided, with Bailey emphasizing that the selection will be finalized closer to the match. Sam Konstas, who opened in the West Indies series, was omitted due to lackluster domestic form. The first Test will be held at Optus Stadium in Perth from November 21 to 25, followed by matches in Brisbane, Adelaide, Melbourne, and Sydney. England, led by Ben Stokes, announced their 16-man squad in September, featuring Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley as openers.