Category Archives: World/National

Senate nears passage of bill to reopen government, House to vote next

Senate nears passage of bill to reopen government, House to vote next

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate has began its final votes on legislation to reopen the government, bringing the longest shutdown in history closer to an end after a small group of Democrats struck a deal with Republicans. The shutdown could last a few more days as members of the House, which has been on recess since mid-September, return to Washington to vote on the legislation. President Donald Trump has signaled support for the bill, saying Monday that “we’re going to be opening up our country very quickly.” Senators began debate on the bill just past nightfall.… Continue Reading

Senate is poised to take the first steps to end 40-day shutdown

Senate is poised to take the first steps to end 40-day shutdown

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate is poised to take the first steps toward ending the 40-day government shutdown Sunday after a group of moderate Democrats agreed to proceed without a guaranteed extension of healthcare subsidies, angering many in their caucus who want to continue the fight. The agreement from Sens. Jeanne Shaheen, Maggie Hassan and Sen. Angus King of Maine would pass three annual spending bills and extend the rest of government funding until late January. That’s according to three people familiar with the agreement who requested anonymity until the deal is made public. Senate Democrats were meeting Sunday evening to discuss the proposal. The government shutdown has now lasted 40 days.… Continue Reading

Rockefeller Center Christmas tree arrives in Manhattan, kicking off New York’s holiday season

Rockefeller Center Christmas tree arrives in Manhattan, kicking off New York’s holiday season

NEW YORK (AP) — The Rockefeller Center Christmas tree has arrived in Manhattan, marking the start of New York City’s holiday season. This year’s tree is a 75-foot Norway spruce from East Greenbush, a suburb of Albany. It traveled about 150 miles on a flatbed truck to reach its new home. On Saturday workers used cranes to position the 11-ton tree at 30 Rockefeller Plaza. The spruce will soon be decorated with over 50,000 LED lights and a Swarovski star. It will be lit Dec. 3 during a live TV broadcast. The tree was donated by Judy Russ and her family.… Continue Reading

Supreme Court issues emergency order to block full SNAP food aid payments

Supreme Court issues emergency order to block full SNAP food aid payments

BOSTON (AP) — The Supreme Court has granted the Trump administration’s emergency appeal to temporarily block a court order to fully fund SNAP food aid payments amid the government shutdown. A judge had given the Republican administration until Friday to make the payments through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. But the administration asked an appeals court to suspend any court orders requiring it to spend more money than is available in a contingency fund. After the appeals court declined to immediately intervene, Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson issued an order late Friday pausing the requirement to distribute full SNAP payments until the appeals court rules on whether to issue a more lasting pause.… Continue Reading

Most major US airports are among 40 targeted for shutdown flight cuts

Most major US airports are among 40 targeted for shutdown flight cuts

Airports in New York, Los Angeles and Chicago along with hubs across the U.S. are among the 40 that will see flights cut starting Friday due to the government shutdown, according to a list distributed to the airlines and obtained by The Associated Press. The Federal Aviation Administration said Wednesday that it will reduce air traffic by 10% across 40 “high-volume” markets to maintain travel safety as air traffic controllers exhibit signs of strain during the ongoing government shutdown. Airlines said they would try to minimize the impact on travelers. United Airlines said it would focus the cuts on smaller regional routes that use smaller planes. Passengers should start to be notified about cancellations Thursday.… Continue Reading

Japan deploys the military to counter a surge in bear attacks

Japan deploys the military to counter a surge in bear attacks

TOKYO (AP) — Japan has deployed troops to help contain a surge of bear attacks that have terrorized residents in the northern prefecture of Akita. Bears have been seen near schools, train stations and homes. Over 100 people have been injured and at least 12 killed in bear attacks across Japan since April. The troops will set traps and assist local hunters but won’t use firearms. Akita has been the worst hit, with over 50 attacks since May. Experts say Japan’s aging and declining population in rural areas contributes to the problem, as bears venture closer to residential areas in search of food.… Continue Reading

Talks to end the government shutdown intensify as federal closure is on track to become longest ever

Talks to end the government shutdown intensify as federal closure is on track to become longest ever

WASHINGTON (AP) — Signs of a potential end to the government shutdown are intensifying with behind-the-scenes talks. This comes as the federal closure, now in its 35th day, is on track to become the longest ever disrupting the lives of millions of Americans. Senators from both parties are quietly negotiating the contours of an emerging deal to reopen the government and resolve the stalemate over health care funds for insurance subsidies. President Donald Trump has largely been absent. He threatened Tuesday no more SNAP food aid unless the government reopens, but his spokeswoman said the administration is releasing the funds in line with court orders. Tuesday’s elections across the U.S. provide an inflection point to bring an end to the shutdown.… Continue Reading

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warns of ‘mass chaos’ in skies if shutdown continues

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warns of ‘mass chaos’ in skies if shutdown continues

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy predicted Tuesday that there could be chaos in the skies next week if the government shutdown drags on and air traffic controllers miss a second paycheck. The FAA slows down or even stops flights temporarily anytime it is short on controllers or if there is an equipment problem. There have already been numerous delays at airports across the country — sometimes hours long — during the shutdown. Duffy warned that the situation will only get worse the longer the shutdown continues and the financial pressure continues to grow on people who are forced to work without pay. FAA employees already missed one paycheck on Oct. 28. Their next payday is scheduled for next Tuesday.… Continue Reading

Dick Cheney, one of the most powerful and polarizing vice presidents in US history, dies at 84

Dick Cheney, one of the most powerful and polarizing vice presidents in US history, dies at 84

WASHINGTON (AP) — Former President George W. Bush says Dick Cheney was a “decent, honorable man” whose death is “a loss to the nation.” Cheney’s family says he died Monday of complications of pneumonia and cardiac and vascular disease. Bush said Tuesday history will remember his vice president “as among the finest public servants of his generation.” Cheney was a hard-charging conservative who became one of the most powerful and polarizing vice presidents and a leading advocate for the invasion of Iraq. Cheney led the armed forces as defense chief during the Persian Gulf War under President George H.W. Bush before returning to public life as vice president under the younger Bush.… Continue Reading

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