Time ticking on US deadline to avert shutdown

2 Oct 15:58 Key points summarised by AI

US lawmakers face a September 30 deadline to pass spending bills, with failure risking a government shutdown that would halt federal services and impact hundreds of thousands of workers.
A bitter feud between Democrats and House Republicans over spending levels, exacerbated by hardline opposition to Ukraine aid, creates a political impasse, putting House Speaker Kevin McCarthy in a difficult position.
A potential shutdown threatens critical public services, federal employee pay, and carries substantial political risks for President Biden, following a recent debt ceiling crisis and recalling past costly government closures.

Macron condemns those who 'sought to bring down the Republic' after rioting mars nationwide protests

Today 12:56 Key points summarised by AI

President Macron condemned widespread rioting and looting during nationwide protests, blaming far-left activists and criminals for the "unrestrained violence" and vowing accountability for those who "sought to bring down the Republic."
Over 2,400 arrests were made as protests against rising living costs and poor school conditions escalated, causing extensive damage to public buildings and businesses in cities like Paris, Limoges (where City Hall burned), Marseille, and Lyon.
The unrest, which organizers hoped would revive the "yellow vest" movement, saw political leaders trade blame, with Macron instructing prefects to protect public buildings and potentially ban future protests to prevent further disorder.