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Suicide bomber targets Islamabad court, killing 12 and wounding 27

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A suicide bomber detonated explosives outside a district court in Islamabad on Tuesday, killing at least 12 people and injuring 27 others, Pakistan’s interior minister confirmed, marking the latest escalation in a growing wave of militant violence across the country.

The explosion erupted just after midday outside the main gates of the court complex, near a parked police vehicle, sending debris flying through the air as crowds fled in panic. The blast, which was heard miles away, struck during one of the court’s busiest hours, when hundreds of lawyers, visitors, and plaintiffs were arriving for hearings.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said the attacker tried to enter the courthouse but detonated his vest when stopped at a police checkpoint. “The attacker attempted to enter the court premises but, failing to do so, targeted a police vehicle,” Naqvi told reporters. He described the assault as an “act of terror carried out by Indian-backed elements and Afghan Taliban proxies,” though he added that officials were still investigating all possible leads.

No group immediately claimed responsibility, but suspicion quickly centered on the Pakistani Taliban, or Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which has stepped up attacks since the Afghan Taliban’s rise to power in Kabul in 2021.

Witnesses described chaotic scenes following the explosion. “People started running in all directions,” said Mohammad Afzal, who was near the entrance when the bomb went off. Ambulances and rescue teams rushed to the site as bystanders attempted to pull the wounded from smoldering wreckage. Most of the victims were passersby or individuals attending court proceedings.

Earlier reports had suggested a car bomb caused the explosion, but authorities later confirmed that a suicide bomber was responsible. Islamabad police said they were conducting a full investigation but had not yet released details on the bomber’s identity.

Overnight Attack Foiled at Military College

The court bombing came less than a day after Pakistani forces thwarted an attempted hostage attack at an army-run cadet college in the northwestern city of Wana, near the Afghan border. Security officials said six militants, including a suicide car bomber, targeted the facility late Monday, aiming to seize cadets inside.

Police chief Alamgir Mahsud said troops quickly killed two attackers before three others breached the compound and were cornered in an administrative block, sparking a prolonged gun battle that continued into Tuesday. The college, located in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, had once been a base for the TTP, al-Qaida, and other foreign fighters.

The Pakistani Taliban denied involvement in the attempted siege, though officials maintain the group remains the primary threat.

Prime Minister Condemns Attacks, Promises Accountability

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif denounced both attacks, calling them “heinous acts of terror” and vowing swift justice. “We will ensure the perpetrators are apprehended and held accountable,” Sharif said in a statement from Islamabad, pledging that the “blood of innocent Pakistanis will not go to waste.”

Sharif has faced mounting pressure to restore stability as Pakistan endures a sharp rise in militant assaults targeting security forces, government offices, and civilians. The resurgence has drawn parallels to the 2014 Peshawar school massacre, when Taliban gunmen killed 154 people, mostly children, in one of the country’s deadliest terrorist attacks.

Strained Ties and Stalled Peace Talks

The Islamabad bombing underscores the growing strain in Pakistan’s relations with Afghanistan. Tensions between the two neighbors have deepened following deadly cross-border skirmishes and Pakistani drone strikes in Kabul earlier this month that killed several people.

Despite Qatar-brokered ceasefires, violence has persisted. Two rounds of peace talks between Pakistani and Afghan officials in Istanbul have failed to produce an agreement, as Kabul has refused to give written assurances that its territory will not be used by the TTP or allied groups to stage attacks on Pakistan.

The fragile truce remains in limbo, leaving Pakistan’s security forces stretched thin as they battle multiple insurgent threats within and along its volatile northwestern frontier.

Senate passes bill to reopen government as 8 democrats join Republicans in bipartisan vote

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The Senate voted late Monday to pass legislation reopening the U.S. government after the longest shutdown in the nation’s history, with eight Democrats breaking ranks to join Republicans in a 60-40 vote. The measure, which funds the government through Jan. 30 without extending Affordable Care Act subsidies set to expire, now moves to the House, where a vote could occur as early as Wednesday.

President Donald Trump has expressed support for the bipartisan agreement, saying, “We’re going to be opening up our country very quickly,” signaling the likely end of the 41-day shutdown that began Oct. 1.

The vote marked a major breakthrough following weeks of partisan gridlock that left hundreds of thousands of federal workers unpaid and disrupted government services nationwide. All Republicans except Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky supported the measure, while eight Democrats crossed party lines to approve the bill amid growing pressure from constituents affected by the prolonged shutdown.

The shutdown’s end was largely brokered by a small coalition of moderate senators, including New Hampshire’s Jeanne Shaheen and Maggie Hassan and Maine Independent Angus King. The group negotiated a compromise to advance three bipartisan spending bills and extend the rest of government funding into late January. In return, Republican leaders promised to hold a vote on extending health care subsidies by mid-December, though passage remains uncertain.

Shaheen acknowledged that the deal fell short of Democratic goals but said it was necessary to bring relief to millions of Americans hurt by the stalemate. “This was the option on the table,” she said. “We believed the shutdown had effectively raised awareness about health care, and this gives us an opportunity to keep pushing forward.”

The legislation reverses mass firings of federal employees carried out since the shutdown began and ensures all affected workers will receive back pay once the government officially reopens.

Alongside Shaheen, King, and Hassan, Democratic Sens. Tim Kaine of Virginia, Dick Durbin of Illinois, John Fetterman of Pennsylvania, and Nevada’s Catherine Cortez Masto and Jacky Rosen also supported the bill. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and most Democrats opposed it, saying the deal failed to protect key health care provisions.

Independent Sen. Bernie Sanders called the vote a “horrific mistake,” while Connecticut Sen. Chris Murphy warned it undermined voters who had urged Democrats to hold the line on health care. In the House, Progressive Caucus Chair Rep. Greg Casar criticized the compromise as a “betrayal” of Americans relying on affordable care.

House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Louisiana Republican, welcomed the Senate’s passage and urged members to return to Washington “right now,” despite travel disruptions caused by the shutdown. The House is expected to take up the measure Wednesday.

The legislation’s passage sets up a new political battle over health care funding in December. Republicans remain divided on whether to extend Affordable Care Act subsidies, with some advocating for income-based limits or structural reforms. Senate Appropriations Chair Susan Collins signaled openness to an extension “with changes,” while Trump and other conservatives have renewed calls to repeal or overhaul the law altogether.

The Senate on Monday also voted 47-53 along party lines against a one-year extension of the health care subsidies, reflecting the challenges ahead. Despite the divisions, the bipartisan deal represents a rare moment of consensus on Capitol Hill after weeks of mounting public frustration and economic strain caused by the record-breaking shutdown.

2 killed as small plane carrying hurricane relief supplies to Jamaica crashes in Florida pond

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CORAL SPRINGS, Fla. (NY.Post) — Two people were killed Monday morning when a small plane carrying hurricane relief supplies to Jamaica crashed into a pond in a residential neighborhood of Coral Springs, just minutes after taking off from Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport, officials said.

The Coral Springs Police Department confirmed in a statement that both victims “tragically lost their lives” in the crash. Surveillance video from a nearby home captured the harrowing final moments as the turboprop plane appeared to clip the edge of the land before its nose slammed into the water, sending debris across the area.

Emergency responders from the Coral Springs-Parkland Fire Department arrived within minutes but initially found no visible wreckage. Divers entered the water to search for victims, Deputy Fire Chief Mike Moser said. “There was no actual plane to be seen. They followed the debris trail to the water,” he said, adding that the recovery effort has now replaced rescue operations.

The Beechcraft King Air aircraft, which typically seats seven to twelve passengers, departed Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport at approximately 10:14 a.m. en route to Jamaica, carrying supplies for communities still reeling from Hurricane Melissa. The plane went down roughly five minutes later, according to officials.

Authorities said no nearby homes were damaged, though wreckage and debris were scattered throughout the retention pond area. The National Transportation Safety Board confirmed it has launched an investigation into the cause of the crash.

Hurricane Melissa, which struck Jamaica as a Category 5 storm in late October, left widespread devastation across the island nation. Power and communication lines were wiped out, and major flooding destroyed infrastructure across all 14 parishes. Jamaican authorities have tentatively confirmed at least 32 storm-related deaths, with several others still under review.

Broward County — home to a large Caribbean American population — has been a key hub for hurricane relief efforts. Many residents had organized shipments of food, medical aid, and building materials to help families affected by the disaster.

The Florida crash follows another aviation tragedy last week when a UPS cargo plane crashed in Kentucky, killing three pilots and 11 people on the ground, including a 3-year-old child and her grandfather.

At least 20 injured after church bus overturns in San Bernardino mountains

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At least 20 people, most of them teenagers, were injured Sunday night after a church bus overturned on a mountain highway in San Bernardino County, California, authorities said.

Emergency crews responded to the scene around 9 p.m. on Highway 330 near Smiley Park, about 25 miles north of San Bernardino. The bus, carrying 36 passengers — including teens and several adults — had been returning from a church retreat near Angelus Oaks to Santa Ana when it rolled over in a single-vehicle crash, according to officials.

San Bernardino County Fire officials said three people sustained severe injuries and were rushed to nearby hospitals, while 17 others were treated for minor injuries. The remaining passengers either declined treatment or were not hurt.

Images from the crash site showed a large emergency response, with fire trucks blocking the mountain road and rescue personnel tending to injured passengers along the roadside. The wreck left debris scattered across the narrow highway, prompting authorities to close both directions of Highway 330 indefinitely as cleanup and investigation continued.

Authorities have not determined the cause of the crash, though they confirmed the bus was the only vehicle involved. The driver is not suspected of driving under the influence, ABC News reported.

In an update on X, the San Bernardino County Fire Department said, “Incident command terminated, units being released. Highway 330 remains closed in both directions until further notice.”

Officials have not provided an estimated time for reopening the route.

the-independent

6 killed as U.S. launches strikes on 2 alleged drug boats in the Eastern Pacific

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WASHINGTON (BN24) — Six people were killed Sunday after U.S. forces carried out two strikes on boats allegedly operated by drug cartels in the eastern Pacific, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth announced. The attacks mark the latest in a series of U.S. military operations targeting suspected narco-trafficking networks in international waters.

According to Hegseth, each of the targeted vessels carried three men and was struck while transiting a well-known drug trafficking route. “These vessels were known by our intelligence to be associated with illicit narcotics smuggling, were carrying narcotics, and were transiting along a known narco-trafficking transit route in the Eastern Pacific,” Hegseth said in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter.

The defense secretary described the men killed as “narco-terrorists” and said the strikes were part of a broader campaign against what the U.S. government classifies as “designated terrorist organizations.” No evidence has yet been presented to confirm their direct involvement in organized drug trafficking, and the victims’ identities have not been released.

Video footage shared by Hegseth showed the moment of the explosions as the small boats were struck from the air. The U.S. Department of Defense has not disclosed what type of weaponry was used in the attacks or the specific intelligence that led to the operation.

The strikes have drawn condemnation from several South American governments, including Colombia and Venezuela, which have accused Washington of overstepping international norms and escalating regional tensions. The operations have also fueled growing debate in Congress over the scope of President Donald Trump’s military authority in such missions.

Last week, senators narrowly voted down a proposal that would have required congressional approval for any future military action against Venezuela. President Trump has defended the ongoing strikes, arguing that his administration is confronting “narco-terrorist threats” in international waters and suggesting he would have no difficulty securing congressional backing if needed.

“I could seek Congress’ support for what we’re doing, and it would pass easily,” Trump said last month. “But the law is clear — we’re defending America against the flow of deadly narcotics, and that’s exactly what we’ll continue to do.”

The Pentagon has not released further details about whether additional operations are planned in the coming weeks.

Iraq’s displaced Yazidis and security forces cast early votes ahead of pivotal parliamentary elections

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DOHUK, Iraq (BN24) — Displaced Yazidis and members of Iraq’s security forces cast their ballots Sunday in early voting for the country’s parliamentary elections, marking a crucial moment in a vote that could determine whether Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani secures a second term in office.

The election is taking place against a backdrop of escalating regional tensions and a fragile domestic landscape. As fears of another confrontation between Israel and Iran mount, Iraq continues to navigate its delicate political balancing act between Tehran and Washington, a challenge that looms large over the country’s future leadership.

Authorities estimate that more than 1.3 million soldiers, police officers, and security personnel, along with approximately 26,000 displaced citizens, were eligible to cast ballots in Sunday’s early vote. Over 7,744 candidates are vying for parliamentary seats, many representing sectarian or party-aligned factions. Iraq’s general election day is set for Tuesday, when millions more voters are expected to participate nationwide.

In the Kurdish region’s Dohuk province, the atmosphere was subdued but determined as displaced Yazidis, many of whom fled their homes more than a decade ago following attacks by the Islamic State group, lined up at makeshift polling stations.

A school in Dohuk had been transformed into a polling center for displaced residents. Early in the morning, turnout was sparse. But by midmorning, groups of voters began arriving, some carrying tattered identification cards, others guiding elderly relatives toward the entrance. Inside the classrooms, party monitors from rival factions closely observed the process, representing the diverse and often divided political landscape of Iraq’s minority communities.

The Yazidis’ story remains one of survival and endurance. During the height of the Islamic State’s reign of terror in 2014, militants stormed the Yazidis’ ancestral homeland in the Sinjar district of Nineveh province, killing thousands and enslaving women and children. Many survivors fled to displacement camps in northern Iraq, where thousands still reside today.

Although the militant group was defeated years ago, the Yazidis’ return to Sinjar has been halting and uncertain. Political disputes between Iraq’s central government in Baghdad and Kurdish authorities have stalled reconstruction efforts and left Sinjar divided among competing armed groups. Homes remain destroyed, roads and utilities are in disrepair, and trust in political leadership is low.

“Eleven years passed, and the situation is the same,” said Khedhir Qassim, a displaced Yazidi from Sinjar who voted at the Dohuk camp. “We want them to support us and rebuild our areas that are ruined due to their political dispute and where everyone works for their own benefit.”

Another voter, Edris Zozani, said he cast his ballot for the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), one of Iraq’s dominant Kurdish factions. He explained that independent Yazidi candidates lack the political leverage to effect real change in Baghdad. “If they go to parliament as part of strong lists, like the KDP, they would be in a better position to support the Yazidi community,” he said.

In Baghdad, early voting centers drew long lines of men in uniform, soldiers, police officers, and members of the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), a coalition of mostly Shiite, Iran-backed militias that played a central role in the fight against the Islamic State.

Though the PMF was formally integrated into Iraq’s military structure in 2016, it continues to operate with considerable independence. Its presence remains a point of contention between Baghdad and Washington, with U.S. officials wary of its ties to Iran.

“I voted for the list that defends the PMF,” said one militiaman after casting his ballot in Baghdad. He spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to journalists.

The next parliament will likely face heated debates over the future of the PMF and Iraq’s security strategy. Pending legislation could further institutionalize the coalition’s role within the armed forces a move welcomed by its supporters but criticized by those who fear it could strengthen Iran’s influence in Iraq’s domestic affairs.

For many Iraqis, these elections are about more than party politics; they are a test of faith in a democratic process often marred by division, corruption, and unfulfilled promises.

Prime Minister al-Sudani, who came to power in 2022, has pledged to stabilize Iraq, combat corruption, and rebuild war-torn communities. Yet, for displaced families like the Yazidis, tangible progress has been slow.

As Iraq approaches election day, the outcome will shape not only the country’s political landscape but also its role in a volatile Middle East. For communities still struggling to return home, it remains to be seen whether the new parliament will deliver long-awaited stability — or whether years of displacement and disillusionment will continue.

Lionel Messi reaches historic 400 career assists, extending his legacy in football

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MIAMI (BN24) — Lionel Messi has achieved yet another milestone in his illustrious football career, reaching an unprecedented 400 career assists a record unmatched in the modern era.

The Argentine forward, who continues to redefine excellence at 38, registered the landmark assist during Inter Miami’s 4-0 victory over Nashville SC on Sunday. According to a post by football journalist Fabrizio Romano, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner set up two goals for teammate Allende Tadeo in the 73rd and 76th minutes, securing his place in football history once more.

The moment underlined Messi’s enduring influence and creativity on the pitch, even as he enters the twilight years of a career spanning nearly two decades across three continents.

Messi’s 400 assists have come through his tenures at FC Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), and now Inter Miami in Major League Soccer. The figure highlights not only his goal-scoring prowess with more than 800 career goals, but also his extraordinary vision and playmaking ability.

Widely regarded as one of football’s greatest all-around players, Messi’s style of play has long been defined by his precision passing, awareness of space, and remarkable unselfishness. His ability to elevate those around him has been as influential as his finishing, making him a dual threat as both scorer and creator.

Across his career, Messi has collected an array of accolades that few can rival: eight Ballon d’Or titles, four UEFA Champions League trophies, and a long-awaited FIFA World Cup triumph with Argentina in 2022.

News of the milestone quickly spread across social media, where fans, pundits, and fellow players celebrated yet another record in Messi’s storybook career. Many hailed the achievement as evidence of his longevity, adaptability, and unwavering commitment to excellence.

Even as he transitions from Europe’s top leagues to the United States, Messi continues to inspire awe. His contributions in MLS have boosted both Inter Miami’s success and the league’s global visibility, proving that his impact extends beyond trophies and statistics.

For a player whose career has redefined what is possible in the sport, the 400-assist mark is more than a number it is a testament to decades of consistency, creativity, and a footballing mind that continues to shape the game.

As Messi continues his journey with Inter Miami, few doubt that more milestones await. Whether creating chances or scoring goals, he remains the benchmark for footballing greatness a standard that may not be matched for generations to come.

2 children killed in early-morning house fire in Indiana county, Pennsylvania

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DILLTOWN, Pa. (BN24) — Two children were killed in a devastating house fire early Sunday morning in Indiana County, Pennsylvania, authorities confirmed. The blaze broke out shortly before 2:30 a.m. in Dilltown, a small community in Buffington Township, leaving the home reduced to rubble and the local community in mourning.

Indiana County Coroner Jerry L. Overman Jr. identified the victims as a 12-year-old girl and a 14-year-old boy. Three other residents managed to escape the burning home, officials said. The coroner confirmed both children died at the scene.

Family friend Kara Baird, who has known the victims for years, told KDKA-TV that the two children were girlfriend and boyfriend. “Sad, your heart just breaks. There are two people lost. There are no words,” Baird said. “It’s terrible because I drive a school van, and I’ve driven these kids for years now, this family.”

The boy was identified as Justin Haase, whose online obituary described him as a “jokester who always made sure everyone was smiling.” Baird remembered the 12-year-old girl fondly, saying, “She was full of life. She was a nice little girl.”

Firefighters said the blaze was extremely difficult to contain, with flames reigniting repeatedly despite their efforts. “Every time they seemed to knock down one area, it would strengthen somewhere else,” one crew member told KDKA-TV. Hours after the fire was thought to be under control, smoke and flames were still visible rising from the debris.

Neighbors said the family had been struggling to heat their home as temperatures dropped. “It’s just sad, trying to heat a home, and this happens,” Baird said. “They lost everything — there are no pictures, there’s nothing.”

Baird added that the family had limited financial resources but “did everything they could for their kids.” She is now organizing a fundraiser to help cover funeral costs and provide support for the surviving family members, who are currently staying with relatives. “They’re going to need help — for the funerals, for a place to live. There’s so much they need right now,” she said.

Authorities have not yet determined the cause of the fire. The investigation is ongoing.

Car explosion near Delhi’s Red Fort kills 8, sparks fire and panic in Indian capital

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NEW DELHI (AP) — A powerful car explosion near the historic Red Fort in India’s capital Monday killed at least eight people and injured several others, authorities said, triggering a fire that damaged multiple nearby vehicles and sent shockwaves through one of New Delhi’s busiest areas.

Police said the blast occurred near one of the gates of the Red Fort metro station, close to the centuries-old Mughal-era monument that draws thousands of tourists daily. Emergency services were immediately dispatched as thick plumes of smoke rose over the old city district.

Sanjay Tyagi, a spokesperson for the New Delhi Police, confirmed that “at least eight people were killed, and several others injured,” adding that the cause of the explosion remains under investigation. “We are probing all possible angles, including whether an explosive device was planted inside the vehicle,” Tyagi told The Associated Press.

Witnesses reported hearing a deafening blast that shattered nearby windows and caused chaos in the densely populated neighborhood. “I heard a window-shattering sound, and then flames engulfed multiple vehicles,” a resident told NDTV, describing scenes of panic as people fled from the area.

The city’s fire department said several engines were deployed to contain the blaze that followed the explosion. Footage broadcast by Indian media showed firefighters battling flames as police cordoned off the area, restricting access to the Red Fort and adjacent metro station.

The Red Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and former residence of Mughal emperors, has long been a symbol of India’s independence and a focal point for national events. The explosion near its gates raised immediate security concerns in the capital, which has been on alert following recent intelligence warnings about possible terror threats during the festive season.

Authorities have not ruled out foul play, and a forensic team has been dispatched to examine the blast site. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who traditionally delivers India’s Independence Day address from the Red Fort, was briefed on the incident by senior security officials.

The explosion comes amid heightened tensions and security crackdowns across India’s major cities ahead of upcoming national celebrations, prompting fears of renewed urban terror threats.

Senate advances bill to end government shutdown despite Democratic divisions over health care subsidies

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The Senate on Sunday took its first major step toward ending the federal government shutdown after weeks of political gridlock, advancing compromise legislation that funds federal agencies but leaves unresolved a key Democratic demand to extend Affordable Care Act tax credits.

In a 60–40 procedural vote, senators agreed to move forward on a bipartisan plan to reopen the government and ensure federal workers receive back pay. The vote followed a breakthrough deal spearheaded by a group of moderate Democrats and independents who agreed to proceed without a guaranteed extension of health care subsidies. The decision sparked internal party anger, with several Democrats warning the compromise falls short of what Americans were promised.

The measure, which could take several days to finalize, funds much of the government through late January while scheduling a December vote on extending health care tax credits that expire Jan. 1. The package also reverses recent mass firings of federal employees ordered by the Trump administration since the shutdown began on Oct. 1.

Sen. Jeanne Shaheen and Maggie Hassan of New Hampshire, along with Independent Sen. Angus King of Maine, helped broker the deal following a six-week stalemate. They were joined by Sen. Tim Kaine of Virginia, home to thousands of furloughed federal workers, and a handful of others who crossed party lines to deliver the decisive votes.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune praised the compromise, saying it would bring much-needed relief to federal workers and the American public as the shutdown continued to cripple essential services. “The time to act is now,” Thune said before the vote.

Returning from a football game Sunday evening, President Donald Trump told reporters the agreement was a positive sign. “It looks like we’re getting close to the shutdown ending,” he said, though he stopped short of endorsing the deal outright.

Democratic leaders, however, were divided. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer voted against the motion, arguing that the legislation failed to protect critical health care subsidies. “We will not give up the fight,” he said after a tense two-hour caucus meeting. Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont called the decision to proceed without guarantees for the tax credits a “horrific mistake.”

The tentative agreement includes three bipartisan appropriations bills funding veterans’ programs, food assistance, and the legislative branch, with all other federal funding extended until January’s end. It also reimburses states that fronted funds to keep federal programs running and protects federal employees from further layoffs.

But House Democrats reacted with sharp criticism. Rep. Greg Casar of Texas, chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, said accepting the deal amounted to “capitulation.” “Accepting nothing but a pinky promise from Republicans isn’t a compromise — it’s betrayal,” Casar wrote on X. House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries blamed Republicans and President Trump for the continuing shutdown, saying, “The American people know who created this toxic mess.”

The shutdown, now stretching into its fourth week, has left millions of Americans struggling. Airlines canceled more than 2,000 flights Sunday and delayed over 7,000 more, while food assistance programs faced significant disruptions. Treasury Secretary Sean Duffy warned that air travel ahead of Thanksgiving could be “reduced to a trickle” if the government fails to reopen soon.

The standoff has also deepened economic uncertainty for federal workers, many of whom have missed multiple paychecks. The Capital Area Food Bank in Washington, D.C., reported a 20% increase in demand, preparing an additional 8 million meals ahead of the holidays.

While the Senate’s procedural vote marks a turning point, the battle over health care subsidies is far from over. Lawmakers from both parties are expected to revisit the issue in December, testing whether Congress can achieve consensus on a measure that affects millions of Americans.