Trump hosts Central Asian leaders as US eyes rare earth metals: Live updates
Trump makes it official: Kazakhstan is joining the Abraham Accords — 7:40 p.m.
By the Associated Press
Trump said on social media that he was part of a call with Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Kazakhstan has had diplomatic relations with Israel since 1992 but joined the Abraham Accords between Israel and Arab and Muslim majority countries.
The initiative was a signature foreign policy accomplishment of Trump’s first term, and he wants to expand the list.
“There are many more Countries trying to join this club of STRENGTH,” Trump said on social media.
Kazakhstan joins Bahrain, Morocco, Sudan and the United Arab Emirates to sign on.
Trump hosts 5 Central Asian presidents — 6:52 p.m.
By the Associated Press
Leaders of five Central Asian countries have arrived at the White House for a working dinner with Trump as he steps up his hunt for rare earth minerals.
Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Turkmenistan President Serdar Berdymukhamedov, Kyrgyzstan President Sooronbai Jeenbekov, Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Tajikistan President Emomali Rakhmon all arrived separately, with a military Honor Guard on the driveway to greet each.
The evening summit and dinner follows Trump managing at least a temporary thaw with Chinese leader Xi Jinping on differences between the United States and China over the export of rare earth elements.
The elements are needed in the manufacturing of devices like smartphones, electric vehicles and fighter jets, and Trump has looked to increase U.S. supplies of them.
Senate Republicans vote down legislation to limit Trump’s ability to attack Venezuela — 6:18 p.m.
By the Associated Press
Senate Republicans voted to reject legislation Thursday that would have put a check on Trump’s ability to launch an attack against Venezuela, as Democrats pressed Congress to take a stronger role in Trump’s high-stakes campaign against Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
Lawmakers, including top Republicans, have demanded that the Trump administration provide them with more information on the US military strikes against alleged drug-smuggling vessels in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean. But Thursday’s vote, which would essentially forestall an attack on Venezuelan soil by first requiring congressional authorization, showed the lengths of GOP senators’ willingness to allow the Trump administration to continue its buildup of naval forces in the region.
At UN climate summit, world leaders say time is running short to stop the worst effects of warming — 5:06 p.m.
By the Associated Press
World leaders warned that time is running short for urgent and decisive action to prevent the worst effects of climate change, and blasted the United States for its retreat from those efforts, as they gathered at the edge of Brazil’s Amazon rainforest for the annual United Nations climate summit.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres opened a gathering of heads of state in Belem, Brazil, with harsh words for world powers who he said “remain captive to the fossil fuel interests, rather than protecting the public interest.”
Allowing global warming to exceed the key benchmark of 1.5 degrees Celsius, laid out in the Paris Agreement, would represent a “moral failure and deadly negligence,” Guterres said, warning that “even a temporary overshoot will have dramatic consequences … every fraction of a degree higher means more hunger, displacement and loss.”
Flight cancellations accelerate as US airlines comply with shutdown order to cut flights — 4:28 p.m.
By the Associated Press
US airlines began canceling flights nationwide due to the Federal Aviation Administration’s order to reduce traffic at the country’s busiest airports starting Friday because of the government shutdown.
Hundreds of flights scheduled for Friday were already cut at some of the 40 busiest airports, and the number of cancellations climbed throughout Thursday afternoon.
At least 445 flights have already been canceled on Friday, according to www.FlightAware.com. That’s more than four times higher than the number of flights cancelled Thursday.
Trump administration ordered to provide full funding for November SNAP payments by Friday — 4:09 p.m.
By Edward Fitzpatrick, Globe Staff
A federal judge in Rhode Island ordered the Trump administration to provide full November funding for the national food stamp funding by Friday.
Chief Judge John J. McConnell Jr. of the US District Court in Rhode Island ordered the US Department of Agriculture to tap other federal funds to provide full funding rather that the partial funding that the agency had chosen to provide.
“Without SNAP funding for the month of November, 16 million children are immediately at risk of going hungry,” McConnell said. “This should never happen in America. In fact, it’s likely that SNAP recipients are hungry as we sit here.”
Supreme Court lets Trump block transgender and nonbinary people from choosing passport sex markers — 3:27 p.m.
By the Associated Press
The Supreme Court allowed President Trump’s administration to enforce a policy blocking transgender and nonbinary people from choosing passport sex markers that align with their gender identity.
The State Department changed its passport rules after Trump, a Republican, handed down an executive order in January declaring the United States would “recognize two sexes, male and female,” based on birth certificates and “biological classification.”
With SNAP funds suspended, Healey asks Mass. residents to support food banks — 3:03 p.m.
By Katarina Schmeiszer and Truman Dickerson, Globe Correspondents
Governor Maura Healey encouraged people with means to donate to food pantries across Massachusetts with federal SNAP funds suspended during the government shutdown.
“We don’t know when funds are going to be released,” she said at an event held by the Greater Boston Food Bank in the South End. “People who are able to, contact your local food pantry … give money so they can buy more food.”
“Right now, we got to do all that we can to take care of one another,” she added.
As of Thursday morning, the Trump administration had not released any of the funds, despite a federal judge ordering them to last week, Healey said.
Man who threw sandwich at federal agent in Washington is found not guilty of assault charge — 2:38 p.m.
By the Associated Press
A former Justice Department employee who threw a sandwich at a federal agent during President Trump’s law enforcement surge in Washington was found not guilty of assault on Thursday in the latest legal rebuke of the federal intervention.
A viral video of the sandwich tossing made Sean Charles Dunn a symbol of resistance to Trump’s deployment of federal agents to combat crime in the nation’s capital. His misdemeanor acquittal is another setback for prosecutors, who have faced a backlash for how they have handled criminal cases resulting from the law enforcement surge.
There was no dispute over whether Dunn threw the sandwich at a US Customs and Border Protection agent on the night of Aug. 10. But his lawyers argued it was a “harmless gesture” during an act of protest protected by the First Amendment.
Prosecutors said Dunn knew he didn’t have a right to throw the sandwich at the agent.
Trump says if the Supreme Court rules against his tariffs, he’ll have to come up with a new plan — 2:20 p.m.
By the Associated Press
Asked about the high court hearing arguments on his tariff policy, Trump said “we did very well yesterday.” He added, however, that a decision against tariffs would be “devastating for our country.”
“But I also think that we’ll have to develop a game two plan” Trump continued “and we’ll see what happens.”
Those comments came a day after his Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, was asked if the administration had a Plan B should it lose at the Supreme Court and demurred, saying only, “We’re not going to discuss that now.”
Trump says it’s safe to fly, even as FAA plans to reduce air traffic — 2:18 p.m.
By the Associated Press
Asked during his Oval Office event whether he believes it’s safe to fly, Trump said, “No I’m not concerned about it. It’s a fair question.”
US airports in more than two dozen states are among those facing 10% reductions in air traffic Friday due to the government shutdown.
The Federal Aviation Administration is imposing the reductions to take pressure off air traffic controllers, who are federal employees and have gone without pay during the shutdown.
“They want to make sure it’s 100%,” Trump said of the move.
Obesity affects more than just low-income Americans — 2:09 p.m.
By the Associated Press
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said Thursday that “obesity is a disease of poverty,” but while rates of the chronic disease tend to be higher in people with the lowest incomes, that’s not always true.
About 44 percent of US adults with the lowest incomes have obesity, compared with about 47 percent of those with middle incomes and about 39 percent of those with the highest incomes, according to 2017-2020 data collected by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Among women, about 48 percent of those in the lowest income category, below 130 percent of the federal poverty level, had obesity, compared with about 49 percent of those with middle incomes and 35 percent of those with the highest incomes.
Among men, those with the lowest incomes, below 130 percent of the federal poverty level, had the lowest obesity rates of 37 percent, compared with about 44 percent of men with middle incomes and 42% of men in the highest income category.
Trump resumes weight-loss drug event after participant fainted — 1:43 p.m.
By the Associated Press
The unidentified man who fainted did not return to the Oval Office.
Trump said the gentleman was feeling lightheaded but is OK now. The White House has not identified him.
White House says man who fainted during Trump announcement is ‘okay’ — 1:03 p.m.
By the Associated Press
A few minutes after the event was abruptly ended, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt released a statement saying that “a representative with one of the companies fainted” but that “The White House Medical Unit quickly jumped into action, and the gentleman is okay.”
She didn’t identify the man, but said the drug price event would resume shortly.
It had featured executives from drugmakers Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly.
Judge will order federal agents in Chicago to restrict using force against protesters and media — 12:55 p.m.
By the Associated Press
A judge said Thursday she will order federal agents in Chicago to restrict using force against peaceful protesters and media, saying current practices violate their constitutional rights.
The preliminary injunction came in response to a lawsuit alleging federal agents have used excessive force in their immigration crackdown in the Chicago area.
US District Judge Sara Ellis‘s ruling, which is expected to be appealed by President Trump’s administration, refines an earlier temporary order that required agents to wear badges and banned them from using certain riot-control techniques, such as tear gas, against peaceful protesters and journalists. After repeatedly chastising federal officials for not following her previous orders, she added a requirement for body cameras.
Ellis began Thursday’s hearing by describing Chicago as a “vibrant place” and reading from poet Carl Sandburg’s famous poem about the city.
Ellis said it is “simply untrue” that the Chicago area is a violent place of rioters.
“I don’t find defendants’ version of events credible,” Ellis said.
Trump drug announcement ends suddenly as man collapses in Oval Office — 12:47 p.m.
By the Associated Press
The president’s drug price announcement ended abruptly when a man standing near Trump in the Oval Office collapsed.
Officials rushed to help the man after his collapse, and the press was quickly removed. It was unclear what caused the collapse or who the man was.
Kennedy says GLP-1 agreement shows Trump is champion of forgotten Americans — 12:30 p.m.
By the Associated Press
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. had previously expressed skepticism to GLP-1s in fighting obesity and drugs diseases related to the condition.
But Kennedy was full of for praise of Trump for pushing to help a broader segment of Americans have access to the drug.
“It’s not a panacea, it’s not a silver bullet,” Kennedy noted.
He added, “Trump is the friend of the forgotten American. Obesity is a disease of poverty. And overwhelmingly these drugs have only been available for people who have wealth.”
Trump polls for who has or hasn’t used a weight loss drug — 12:24 p.m.
By the Associated Press
Introducing the officials who joined him for the announcement in the Oval Office, Trump asked or commented on who has or hasn’t used any of the weight-loss medications he calls the “fat drug.”
“Do you take any of this stuff, Howard?” Trump asked Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. “Not yet,” Lutnick replied.
“He doesn’t take it,” Trump said when he got to Dr. Mehmet Oz, director of Medicare and Medicaid services.
Trump introduced a few others before he asked for “Steve,” referring to him as “head of public relations for the White House.
“He’s taking it,” the president said of Steven Cheung, who is the White House director of communications.
President Trump: “Two world’s largest pharmaceutical manufacturers, Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk, have agreed to offer their most popular GLP-1 weight loss drug, I call it the fat drug, remember, at drastic discounts.” pic.twitter.com/5fEMutsUTm
— CSPAN (@cspan) November 6, 2025
Airports reducing flights during the government shutdown: West region — 12:23 p.m.
By the Associated Press
- Los Angeles International in California
- Oakland International in California
- Ontario International in California
- San Francisco International in California
- San Diego International in California
- Seattle/Tacoma International in Washington
- Salt Lake City International in Utah
- Anchorage International in Alaska
- Denver International in Colorado
- Phoenix Sky Harbor International in Arizona
- Honolulu International in Hawaii
- Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas
- Portland International in Oregon
Airports reducing flights during the government shutdown: Midwest region — 12:21 p.m.
By the Associated Press
- Chicago O`Hare International in Illinois
- Chicago Midway International in Illinois
- Minneapolis/St Paul International in Minnesota
- Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County in Michigan
- Indianapolis International in Indiana
Airports reducing flights during the government shutdown: South region — 12:20 p.m.
By the Associated Press
- Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International in Georgia
- Dallas Love Field in Texas
- Dallas/Fort Worth International in Texas
- George Bush Houston Intercontinental in Texas
- Houston Hobby in Texas
- Charlotte Douglas International in North Carolina
- Miami International in Florida
- Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International in Florida
- Tampa International in Florida
- Orlando International in Florida
- Louisville International in Kentucky
- Memphis International in Tennessee
Airports reducing flights during the government shutdown: Northeast region — 12:17 p.m.
By the Associated Press
- John F. Kennedy International in New York
- LaGuardia Airport in New York
- Newark Liberty International in New Jersey
- Teterboro in New Jersey
- Boston Logan International in Massachusetts
- Philadelphia International in Pennsylvania
- Ronald Reagan Washington National in Virginia
- Washington Dulles International in Virginia
- Baltimore/Washington International in Maryland
- Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International in Ohio
Obama says Pelosi worked to ‘make our country better’ — 12:16 p.m.
By the Associated Press
Former president Barack Obama said “No one was more skilled at bringing people together and getting legislation passed — and I will always be grateful for her support of the Affordable Care Act.”
In a post he said, “She made us proud to be Democrats, and will go down in history as one of the best speakers the House of Representatives has ever had.”
For almost four decades, Nancy Pelosi has served the American people and worked to make our country better. No one was more skilled at bringing people together and getting legislation passed – and I will always be grateful for her support of the Affordable Care Act. She made us… pic.twitter.com/HZbWjm7GAt
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) November 6, 2025
House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries demands airline safety briefing — 12:06 p.m.
By the Associated Press
Jeffries wants information about the Trump administration’s layoffs and Federal Aviation Administration changes and that have been underway even before the shutdown.
“We need a full and complete briefing so we can understand from the administration what the current status is, what the impact of administration layoffs have been, prior to the Trump Republican shutdown,” Jeffries of New York said during a press conference at the Capitol.
He said the administration “has been going after the FAA since the beginning of their time in office, since January 20th, and we need to understand how we got to this moment, separate and apart from the Trump Republican shutdown.”
US lifts arms embargo on Cambodia, citing its ‘diligent pursuit of peace’ in Southeast Asia — 12:01 p.m.
By the Associated Press
The Trump administration is lifting a four-year-old arms embargo on Cambodia that had been imposed over the country’s increasing military ties and partnership with China after Cambodia and Thailand agreed to a truce in their border conflict last month.
The move will take effect Friday after the formal publication of an official notice in the Federal Register, according to an announcement made Thursday. It had been previewed by various US officials in late October following the signing of an agreement between the Thai and Cambodian prime ministers at a summit in Malaysia that President Trump witnessed.
The State Department said Secretary of State Marco Rubio signed off on the step “based on Cambodia’s diligent pursuit of peace and security, including through renewed engagement with the United States on defense cooperation and combating transnational crime.” It means that arms sales requests from Cambodia will now be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and not automatically be subject to denial. It will also lift restrictions on third countries providing Cambodia with U.S. weapons.
Johnson won’t promise ACA vote in the House as part of a shutdown deal — 11:18 a.m.
By the Associated Press
House Speaker Mike Johnson said Thursday he would not guarantee Democrats a vote on extending enhanced tax credits for those with coverage through the Affordable Care Act.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune has offered Democrats such a vote as part of the way out of the government shutdown.
Asked whether he would do the same, Johnson said the House had already done its job in passing a short-term funding patch.
“I’m not promising anybody anything,” Johnson said.
Johnson also rejected the idea that congressional leaders get together and negotiate a compromise on extending the enhanced tax credits that make coverage more affordable.
“We’re not taking four corners, four leaders in a back room and making a deal and hoisting it upon the American people,” Johnson said. “I’m not going to be a part of that.”
Affected airports cover more than 2 dozen states and include busiest across the US — 11:10 a.m.
By the Associated Press
They include airports in Atlanta, Denver, Dallas, Orlando, Miami, and San Francisco.
In some of the biggest cities — such as New York, Houston and Chicago — multiple airports will be affected.
Experts predict hundreds if not thousands of flights could be canceled — 11:05 a.m.
By the Associated Press
The cuts could represent as many as 1,800 flights and upwards of 268,000 seats combined, according to an estimate by aviation analytics firm Cirium.
Trump calls Pelosi ‘overrated’ and says he was ‘honored’ to be twice impeached by the House — 11:04 a.m.
By the Associated Press
The president gave the remarks on Pelosi’s retirement exclusively to a reporter broadcasting on Fox News’ “America’s Newsroom.”
Pelosi led the House in impeaching Trump twice during his first term — first over withholding military support for Ukraine as it confronted Russian aggression and later after inciting the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection at the Capitol. He was acquitted both times by the Senate.
House Speaker Mike Johnson said the political old guard is being “repudiated,” though he commended Pelosi for her service.
Passengers should start to be notified about cancellations Thursday — 10:57 a.m.
By the Associated Press
Airlines said they would try to minimize the impact on customers, some of whom will see weekend travel plans disrupted with little notice.
United Airlines said it would focus the cuts on smaller regional routes that use smaller planes like 737s. United, Delta Air Lines and American Airlines said they would offer refunds to passengers who opt not to fly — even if they purchased tickets that aren’t normally refundable.
The head of Frontier Airlines recommended travelers buy backup tickets with another airline to avoid being stranded.
The FAA is imposing the flight reductions to relieve pressure on air traffic controllers — 10:56 a.m.
By the Associated Press
Air traffic controllers are working without pay during the government shutdown and have been increasingly calling off work.
Controllers already have missed one paycheck and are scheduled to again receive nothing next week as as the shutdown drags on and the financial pressure on them mounts.
The FAA has already been delaying flights at times when airports or its other facilities are short on controllers.
Leader Thune on the Senate working through the weekend: ‘We’ll see’ — 10:42 a.m.
By the Associated Press
Republican Senate Majority Leader John Thune opened what’s seen as a pivotal day in efforts to end the government shutdown by keeping all options open.
“I think it’s all going to be subject to whether or not it looks like there’s a path to wind this down, this weekend,” Thune said.
He added that the next step is getting a response from Democrats on the offer before them, “and then we’ll see where they go with that.”
Asked whether the Senate would cancel its recess next week, Thune said he’s “not ruling anything out at this point.”
House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries says Pelosi is the ‘greatest Speaker of all time’ — 10:37 a.m.
By the Associated Press
Jeffries of New York is in line to become the speaker himself if the party regains control of the chamber in next year’s election.
“The United States is a much better nation today because Nancy Pelosi dedicated her life to serving the children, the climate, the country and the American people,” Jeffries said in a statement.
“Nancy D’Alesandro Pelosi is an iconic, heroic, trailblazing, legendary and transformational leader. She is the greatest Speaker of all time,” he said.
“House Democrats will always be down with NDP.”
Most major US airports are among 40 targeted by shutdown-related flight cuts — 10:35 a.m.
By the Associated Press
Airports in New York, Los Angeles and Chicago along with hubs across the US 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.
Pelosi was a check on Trump during his first term — 10:11 a.m.
By the Associated Press
As House Speaker, she became the Democratic Party’s antidote to President Trump.
Trump was impeached by the House — twice — first in 2019 for withholding US aid to Ukraine as it faced a hostile Russia at its border and then in 2021 days after the Jan. 6 attack on the US Capitol. The Senate acquitted him in both cases.
Pelosi stood up the Jan. 6 special committee to probe Trump’s role in sending his mob of supporters to the Capitol, when most Republicans refused to investigate, producing the 1,000-page report that became the first full accounting of what happened as the defeated president tried to stay in office.
Nancy Pelosi won’t seek reelection, ending her storied career in the US House — 9:28 a.m.
By the Associated Press
Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi will not seek reelection to the US House, bringing to a close her storied career as not only the first woman in the speaker’s office but arguably the most powerful in American politics.
Pelosi, who’s represented San Francisco for nearly 40 years, announced her decision Thursday.
“I will not be seeking reelection to Congress,” Pelosi said in a video address to voters.
Pelosi, appearing upbeat and forward-looking as images of her decades of accomplishments filled the frames, said she would finish out her final year in office. And she left those who sent her to Congress with a call to action to carry on the legacy of agenda-setting both in the US and around the world.
Trump has other tariff options if the Supreme Court strikes down his worldwide import taxes — 9:27 a.m.
By the Associated Press
President Trump has warned the United States will be rendered “defenseless’’ and possibly “reduced to almost Third World status” if the Supreme Court strikes down the tariffs he imposed this year on nearly every country on earth.
The justices sounded skeptical during oral arguments Wednesday of his sweeping claims of authority to impose tariffs as he sees fit.
The truth, though, is Trump will still have plenty of options to keep taxing imports aggressively even if the court rules against him. He can re-use tariff powers he deployed in his first term and can reach for others, including one that dates back to the Great Depression.
“It’s hard to see any pathway here where tariffs end,” said Georgetown trade law professor Kathleen Claussen. “I am pretty convinced he could rebuild the tariff landscape he has now using other authorities.”
FAA says it will list airports where it’s reducing flights during the government shutdown — 9:26 a.m.
By the Associated Press
Travelers through some of the busiest US airports can expect to learn Thursday whether they’ll see fewer flights as the government shutdown drags into a second month.
The Federal Aviation Administration will announce the 40 “high-volume markets” where it’s reducing flights by 10% before the cuts go into effect Friday, said agency administrator Bryan Bedford. The move is intended to keep the air space safe during the shutdown, the agency said.
Experts predict hundreds if not thousands of flights could be canceled. The cuts could represent as many as 1,800 flights and upwards of 268,000 seats combined, according to an estimate by aviation analytics firm Cirium.
Senators search for a potential deal — 8:48 a.m.
By the Associated Press
Central to any resolution will be a series of agreements that would need to be upheld not only by the Senate but also by the House and the White House, which is not at all certain in Washington.
Senators from both major parties, particularly the members of the powerful Appropriations Committee, are pushing to ensure the normal government funding process in Congress can be put back on track. Among the goals is guaranteeing upcoming votes on a smaller package of bills to fund various aspects of government such as agricultural programs and military construction projects at bases.
More difficult, a substantial number of senators also want some resolution to the standoff over the funding for the Affordable Care Act subsidies that are set to expire at year’s end.
Trump’s approach to the shutdown stands in marked contrast to his first term — 8:47 a.m.
By the Associated Press
During the shutdown in Trump’s first term, the government was partially closed for 35 days over his demands for money to build a US-Mexico border wall. At that time, he met publicly and negotiated with congressional leaders. Unable to secure the money, he relented in 2019.
This time, it’s not just Trump declining to engage in talks. The congressional leaders are at a standoff, and Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson sent lawmakers home in September after they approved their own funding bill, refusing further negotiations.
Trump sets another shutdown record — 8:46 a.m.
By the Associated Press
Now at 37 days, it’s the longest in US history.
While some Democrats saw Trump’s comments on the shutdown Wednesday as evidence that he’d soon get more involved, he’s largely stayed out of the fray. Instead, the talks have intensified among a loose coalition of centrist senators trying to negotiate an end to the shutdown.
Trump has refused to negotiate with Democrats over their demands to salvage expiring health insurance subsidies until they agree to reopen the government. But skeptical Democrats question whether the Republican president will keep his word, particularly after his administration restricted SNAP food aid despite court orders to ensure funds are available to prevent hunger.
Progressives see election wins as reason to fight — 8:45 a.m.
By the Associated Press
Grassroots Democratic groups nationwide touted Tuesday’s election results as voter approval of the shutdown strategy — and warned lawmakers against cutting a deal too soon.
“Moderate Senate Democrats who are looking for an off-ramp right now are completely missing the moment,” said Katie Bethell, political director of MoveOn, a progressive group. “Voters have sent a resounding message: We want leaders who fight for us, and we want solutions that make life more affordable.”
Some Senate Democrats echoed that sentiment. Senator Bernie Sanders, a Vermont independent who caucuses with Democrats and a leading voice in the progressive movement, said Democrats “have got to remain strong” and should secure assurances on extending health care subsidies — including “a commitment from the speaker of the House that he will support the legislation, and that the president will sign.”
US and European energy leaders in Greece to talk ways to better supply Ukraine — 3:05 a.m.
By the Associated Press
Energy ministers from the United States and European countries were holding talks Thursday in Greece on how to use a newly upgraded regional pipeline network to better supply war-torn Ukraine as the Trump administration seeks to further ramp up gas exports to Europe.
US Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum were attending the meeting in Athens, hosted by the Atlantic Council, the Washington-based think tank. They were joined by more than 80 US officials, European Union energy ministers, and executives from leading American liquified natural gas companies.
President Trump is seeking to use America’s position as the world’s top LNG exporter to press the EU to buy more US gas, linking energy exports to broader trade negotiations.
FAA readies to list airports getting reduced flights during the government shutdown — 2:42 a.m.
By the Associated Press
Travelers through some of the busiest US airports can expect to learn Thursday whether they’ll see fewer flights as the government shutdown drags into a second month.
The Federal Aviation Administration will announce the “high-volume markets” where it is reducing flights by 10 percent before the cuts go into effect Friday, said agency administrator Bryan Bedford. The move is intended to keep the air space safe during the shutdown, the agency said.
Experts predict hundreds if not thousands of flights could be canceled.
Shutdown progress in doubt as Democrats grow emboldened from election wins — 1:20 a.m.
By the Associated Press
Elections this week that energized Democrats and angered President Trump have cast a chill over efforts to end the record-breaking government shutdown, raising fresh doubts about the possibility of a breakthrough despite the punishing toll of federal closures on the country.
Trump has increased pressure on Senate Republicans to end the shutdown — now at 37 days, the longest in US history — calling it a “big factor, negative” in the poor GOP showings across the country. Democrats saw Trump’s comments as a reason to hold firm, believing his involvement in talks could lead to a deal on extending health care subsidies, a key sticking point to win their support.
Trump is refusing to meet with Democrats, insisting they must open the government first. But complicating the GOP’s strategy, Trump is increasingly fixated instead on pushing Republicans to scrap the Senate filibuster to speed reopening — a step that many GOP senators reject out of hand. He kept up the pressure in a video Wednesday evening, saying the Senate’s 60-vote threshold to pass legislation should be “terminated.”
D.C. National Guard deployment in the nation’s capital ordered by Trump is extended to Feb. 28 — 12:02 a.m.
By the Associated Press
The Washington D.C. National Guard will be deployed to the nation’s capital through the end of February, according to formal orders reviewed by The Associated Press.
The formal order, dated Nov. 4, extends the original order from Aug. 11 and says the Guard members will be in the city at least through Feb. 28. The order states the additional duty is in response to the emergency declared in August by President Trump and under directions from the “Secretary of War to protect federal property and functions in the District of Columbia and to support federal and District law enforcement.”
First Appeared on
Source link
