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The United States federal government shutdown has become the longest in the nation's history, reaching its 36th day on November 5, 2025, due to an unresolved dispute over the extension of Affordable Care Act tax credits. This unprecedented deadlock has furloughed hundreds of thousands of federal workers, disrupted essential services, and is projected to cost the U.S. economy billions.
Canada's new federal budget, "Building Canada Strong," unveiled on November 4, 2025, by Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne, proposes a "generational" $141.4 billion in new spending over five years to bolster economic resilience and productivity amidst global trade disruptions. Despite this ambitious investment, the budget projects a substantial $78.3 billion deficit for the current fiscal year, nearly double previous forecasts, as it aims to shift the nation's economy and spur private-sector growth.
In a historic upset, democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani has been elected the next mayor of New York City, becoming the youngest leader in over a century and the city's first Muslim, South Asian, and African-born mayor. His victory on November 4, 2025, signals a new era for the city, driven by a progressive platform promising rent freezes, fare-free public transit, and universal childcare.
The U.S. Supreme Court is currently hearing a landmark case that could redefine presidential power over trade, specifically challenging former President Trump's use of emergency powers under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to impose tariffs. This pivotal decision will determine the constitutional balance between the executive and legislative branches regarding trade policy, with significant implications for global commerce and potentially billions in tariff refunds.
Today, November 4, 2025, voters across the United States are participating in crucial off-year statewide and local elections, which are being closely watched as early indicators of national voter sentiment before the 2026 midterm elections. Key gubernatorial contests in Virginia and New Jersey, alongside mayoral races and special House elections, are unfolding amidst widespread economic anxiety over the cost of living and jobs.
The European Union is currently engaged in high-stakes discussions to finalize a crucial and legally binding 2040 climate target, aiming for a 90% net reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to 1990 levels, which is vital for achieving climate neutrality by mid-century before the COP30 summit. However, this ambitious objective faces significant internal divisions, with several member states expressing concerns about the economic implications, potentially jeopardizing the EU's reputation as a global climate leader.
The United States federal government is currently enduring a prolonged shutdown, now on its 34th day and nearing a historic record, causing widespread disruption and significantly delaying food benefits for millions of Americans. This critical impasse stems from deep partisan disagreements over federal spending levels for the 2026 fiscal year, leaving hundreds of thousands of federal employees furloughed or working without pay.
President-elect Donald Trump's controversial cabinet selections, including nominees for Attorney General, Director of National Intelligence, and Secretary of Defense, are facing significant bipartisan opposition due to concerns over their qualifications and past actions. Further intensifying scrutiny, the transition team has reportedly bypassed traditional FBI background checks for these critical roles, opting instead for private investigators, which has raised red flags among senators.
Millions of Americans are facing severe uncertainty regarding their food assistance benefits after a crucial November 1st deadline passed without clear resolution, despite federal judges ordering the Trump administration to utilize emergency reserves to fund the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) amidst an ongoing government shutdown. However, the immediate distribution of these vital benefits remains unclear, leaving approximately 42 million recipients in limbo as the administration cites a lack of legal authority and warns of potential weeks-long delays.
The United States federal government is in its second-longest shutdown ever, now on day 31, due to a political stalemate over fiscal year 2026 appropriations. This unprecedented impasse is severely jeopardizing critical services, impacting millions of Americans through suspended SNAP benefits, unpaid federal workers, and significant economic losses.
In a dramatic move, King Charles III has formally stripped Prince Andrew of all remaining royal titles and initiated his eviction from Royal Lodge, effective October 30, 2025. This decisive action, prompted by ongoing controversy surrounding Andrew's association with Jeffrey Epstein, aims to distance the monarchy from scandal and protect its dignity.
In a dramatic policy shift, President Donald Trump has directed the Pentagon to resume nuclear weapons testing, effectively ending a 33-year moratorium on such activities as of October 30, 2025. This unprecedented move, announced in response to alleged testing by Russia and China, is poised to ignite strong global reactions and reshape international arms control efforts.