Last-gasp deal averts US government shutdown

23 Sept 06:26 Key points summarised by AI

US Congress passed an 11th-hour funding bill, keeping federal agencies open for 45 days and averting a government shutdown just hours before the midnight deadline.
The temporary deal notably excluded President Biden's requested aid for war-torn Ukraine, prompting his criticism and expectation for future support.
House Speaker Kevin McCarthy secured the resolution amidst high-stakes brinkmanship, navigating pressure from hardline Republicans who sought deep spending cuts and had threatened his position.
This 'continuing resolution' provides a 45-day window for legislators to negotiate full-year spending bills, postponing a long-term budget agreement for fiscal 2024.

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

Yesterday 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.