The U.S. government is set to resume operations on Thursday after the longest shutdown in American history left air traffic disrupted, food aid suspended for low-income families, and more than one million federal workers unpaid for over a month.
Despite the reopening, the deep political fractures that caused the 43-day impasse remain unresolved. The funding agreement offers few limits on President Donald Trump’s control over spending, continuing tensions with Congress over budget authority. It also sidesteps the expiring health care subsidies that initially pushed Senate Democrats to block the earlier budget proposal.
The shutdown exposed sharp divides within the Democratic Party as well — between progressives demanding stronger opposition to Trump and moderates wary of overreach while Republicans maintain control of both chambers. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer now faces mounting criticism, even though he voted against the final deal.
Around 1.4 million federal employees who worked without pay are expected to receive back wages starting Saturday, with full payments due by Wednesday, according to the White House. Trump’s team had earlier threatened to withhold pay for some categories of workers, but there was no indication that it will do so.
“I’m happy to see all my coworkers again. I brought in some pastries so we can enjoy our first day back,” said Stanley Stocker, an Interior Department employee returning to work.
Although Trump fired several thousand federal employees during the shutdown, the funding bill ensures their reinstatement, requiring agencies to reverse dismissals within five days.
Public opinion shows neither side escaped blame. A Reuters/Ipsos poll found 50% of Americans held Republicans responsible for the shutdown, while 47% blamed Democrats.
The reopening may prove short-lived: the new deal only funds the government until 30 January, raising fears of another standoff early next year.
Amid all the political turmoil, one topic was notably absent — discussion of the $38 trillion national debt, which remains on track to grow by about $1.8 trillion annually, as Congress once again postponed tough fiscal decisions.
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From the invasion of Ukraine to today’s border ceasefire in Southeast Asia, the global security architecture has undergone a period of unprecedented strain.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said he will meet U.S. President Donald Trump on Sunday to discuss territory and security guarantees, as diplomatic efforts intensify to end Russia’s war in Ukraine.
U.S. President Donald Trump has invited the leaders of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan to attend the G20 summit set to be hosted in Miami next year.
The Russian radio station known as 'Doomsday Radio' (or UVB-76) unexpectedly began playing ‘Swan Lake’, music from a ballet composition. The last time this was done was during the deaths of Soviet-era leaders and the 1991 coup.
Dozens of people are feared dead and around 100 others injured after an explosion tore through a crowded bar during New Year’s Eve celebrations at the Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana, authorities said.
Protests in Iran over soaring prices and a plunging rial have spread to universities in Tehran, as students join shopkeepers and bazaar merchants in demanding government action. With inflation above 42% and the rial at record lows, unrest continues to grow across the country.
As Russia’s war in Ukraine enters its fourth year, rising casualties, economic struggles, and mounting unrest expose cracks in society. Despite Kremlin propaganda, frustration is growing as more Russians question the government’s narrative, according to The Washington Post.
European leaders held talks on Ukraine after Russia said it would revise its negotiating position, citing an alleged Ukrainian drone attack that Kyiv has firmly denied.
Bulgaria marked its entry into the euro zone on Thursday with a display of euro coins on the front of the central bank in the capital, Sofia.
Chelsea Football Club have parted ways with manager Enzo Maresca, after the London side have won just one of their last seven English Premier League games.
Israel will revoke the licenses of 37 aid organisations from operating in Gaza and the West Bank, stating the groups have failed to meet the requirements under new registration rules.
Dozens of people are feared dead and around 100 others injured after an explosion tore through a crowded bar during New Year’s Eve celebrations at the Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana, authorities said.
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