Government shutdown, reconciliation law highlight turbulent year in Congress

In a dramatic turn of events, Congress staved off a government shutdown by enacting a sprawling tax and domestic spending package. Led by Republican lawmakers John Thune and Mike Johnson, these measures highlight the year’s most notable legislative victory and underscore the turbulent climate on Capitol Hill.

Government shutdown, reconciliation law highlight turbulent year in Congress

Routine Thanksgiving air travel expected in the region

Airport officials in Lewiston and Pullman report that a damaged jet fuel pipeline in Seattle will not interfere with Thanksgiving air travel. Despite the recent government shutdown, local travelers can expect business as usual during the holiday rush.

Routine Thanksgiving air travel expected in the region

Arthur Cyr – The shutdown, Schumer and dysfunctional government

Despite boasting the world’s largest economy and a political system grounded in the rule of law, the U.S. government shuts down at times, exposing a paradox between national prosperity and legislative gridlock. The mention of Chuck Schumer highlights the role key figures play in these recurring episodes of dysfunction.

Arthur Cyr – The shutdown, Schumer and dysfunctional government

Letter: Dems did the right thing

A new letter to the editor pushes back against the criticism directed at Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Maggie Hassan for their role in ending a government shutdown. The author urges readers to acknowledge the practicality of their actions and to embrace gratitude over hostility.

Letter: Dems did the right thing

Uncommon Knowledge: What Auto Loans Say About the Trump Economy

Even after a historic 43-day government shutdown, Americans have not seen an immediate relief from economic strains. With mounting auto-loan debts, ongoing repossession trucks, and continuing disputes over SNAP benefits, key indicators suggest the Trump-era economy remains under scrutiny.

Uncommon Knowledge: What Auto Loans Say About the Trump Economy

What’s next for the House as it returns from the shutdown fight

The House of Representatives is back in session after a prolonged shutdown fight, facing a packed to-do list. With more than a month of legislative downtime, lawmakers now turn to negotiating the annual defense policy bill and addressing a slate of other urgent tasks.

Maryland lawmakers demand answers for NASA changes at Goddard Space Flight Center

Maryland lawmakers are calling on NASA to explain why buildings were closed and staff levels reduced at the Goddard Space Flight Center. Occurring during a government shutdown, these changes have prompted serious concerns about their effect on critical research and operations.

Maryland lawmakers demand answers for NASA changes at Goddard Space Flight Center

Air travel, SNAP benefits, back pay at issue as federal government slowly reopens

A record-setting 43-day government shutdown ended on a Wednesday night, halting disruptions to air travel and food assistance programs. Yet workers remain anxious about back pay, and questions linger about how quickly normal operations can resume.

Air travel, SNAP benefits, back pay at issue as federal government slowly reopens

What was behind my shutdown vote? Let me explain. | Sen. Angus King

Amid accusations that he “caved” in a recent government shutdown vote, Senator Angus King firmly rejects this perception. In this piece, originally appearing as an opinion column, King clarifies he received more than critics assume and stands by the reasoning behind his decision.

What was behind my shutdown vote? Let me explain. | Sen. Angus King

Republicans take a victory lap as House gathers to end shutdown

Republicans are celebrating as the House of Representatives gathers to vote on ending a shutdown, with the ballot expected as early as today. Their optimism underscores a rapidly changing political landscape, signaling a possible resolution on the horizon.

Republicans take a victory lap as House gathers to end shutdown