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US Government Shutdown Continues as Senators Failed to Find a Way Out
Senate Democrats in the United States continued to resist an agreement to end the record-long shutdown of federal agencies on Thursday, despite Republican attempts to reverse layoffs and reopen closed agencies. Democrats held their second caucus closed-door meeting in just two days, on the 37th of the longest shutdown in U.S. History. The government shutdown has resulted in the furloughing of 750,000 federal workers, the forcing of thousands to work for free, and the cutting off of food assistance and Head Start subsides for millions of Americans including children. In the coming days, a new pressure point would be created as major U.S. Airports prepared for a 10% reduction in airline flights because air traffic controllers are not being paid. After 14 failed votes, the Senate will vote again on a short term funding measure on Friday. However, this time the Senate will do so with the understanding that in the coming days the bill will be amended to include bipartisan legislation reopening federal agencies and funding some programs for the entire year. John Thune, the South Dakota Senate majority leader, told reporters that he always hopes and expects to see enough Democrats for us to move forward. "We'll see. "They seem to be slowing walking or walking backwards this." The Republicans have a majority of 53 to 47, but they need 60 votes in order to reopen government. Thune needs at least eight Democrats who are willing to leave their party, as one Republican is opposed to the short-term funding. Only two Democrats, plus an independent member of their caucus, have so far been willing. Chuck Schumer, the New York Senate Democratic leader, described the meeting of his caucus as "a very productive and good meeting". Other speakers also expressed optimism. Some Democrats, however, were not so optimistic. "I don’t know how effective it was there," said Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman. He is one of three Senate Democrats who voted for a bill that would reopen government on a short term basis. Republicans offered Democrats a way to reopen the government, which included a stopgap measure for funding and a full-year package of appropriations bills that would pay for agricultural programs, including food assistance, construction projects, veterans affairs, and the legislative branch. Possible Reversal of Layoffs In bipartisan discussions, Republicans also showed an openness towards reversing the massive layoffs of federal workers ordered by President Donald Trump’s White House as well as protecting federal jobs against future cuts. "The discussion started as a healthcare conversation, but in recent days it has also evolved into a discussion of what I have called the moratorium on mischief," Democratic senator Tim Kaine from Virginia told reporters. Before reopening government, Democrats insist that Republicans negotiate an extension of federal health subsidies. Republicans insist that the government has to reopen before reopening. "We need to ensure that the deal we reach can be supported by both sides," said Democratic Michigan Senator Gary Peters, who was involved in bipartisan discussions. The deal has been discussed in many ways. "Nothing's really been crystallized." Uncertainty about the move of a house Thune offered Democrats a Senate Floor vote as an incentive for reopening government. This would extend federal tax credits expiring that help lower income Americans pay private health insurance. There was no such guarantee in the Republican-controlled House of Representatives . House Speaker Mike Johnson, of Louisiana, told reporters: "I am not a part of the negotiations." "I don't promise anything to anyone." Peters responded, "That is a serious problem." Democrats have repeatedly urged Trump to start negotiations on healthcare. Republicans, however, say that this should only happen after the government has reopened. Thom Tillis, a Republican senator, said that the White House would intervene to ensure a vote in the House on ACA tax credit legislation if the Senate passes it. Tillis of North Carolina said, "That's an important task that the White House should take on." "They can at the very least signal that we will allow voting if all of you get out of here." Even if Senate Democrats and Republicans were able to reach an agreement to reopen government this week agencies would likely be closed for several days. Before Trump could sign such a measure into law, it would need to be approved by the House. House Republican leaders have promised to give 48-hour notice to members before they are called back to Washington, and 72-hours to review the legislation before any votes. (Reporting and editing by Scott Malone, Diane Craft and Scott Malone)
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Qantas lowers its first-half forecast for domestic revenue, citing weaker travel demand
Qantas Airways, Australia's national airline, cut its forecast of domestic unit revenue for the first six months of 2026, and noted a slight increase in fuel prices. The airline cited a softening corporate travel market, higher refining margins, and increased carbon compliance fees. Qantas now expects an increase in domestic unit revenue of approximately 3% for the first six months, down from its previous forecast range of between 3% and 5%. The flag carrier of Australia said that travel demand in the mining and resource sector was still strong, but corporate travel grew at a slower rate than expected. The company has flagged that the group capacity for the first six months of 2026 will be "slightly less than previously guided" due to the delays in the return of the A380 fleet to service. In a separate press release, CEO Vanessa Hudson stated that "we are adjusting our domestic capacity to match the profile of demand we are currently seeing." Qantas has said that it is closely monitoring the ongoing U.S. Government shutdown and working with its partners to support any affected customers. However, no material impact on the demand for Qantas products or services has yet been observed. Fuel costs are forecast to be A$2.62 ($1.70) billion for the first half, up from A$2.6 billion in previous outlooks. This is due to higher jet refining margins as a result of ongoing geopolitical instability. The revised figure includes A$25m in non-cash carbon cost increases tied to increased compliance obligations under CORSIA. ($1 = 1.5389 Australian dollars) (Reporting by Roushni Nair in Bengaluru; Editing by Alan Barona)
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NTSB to probe UPS plane maintenance history
Safety investigators in the United States said Thursday that they are investigating the maintenance history for a UPS cargo aircraft which was in Texas weeks before it crashed in flames on Tuesday in Louisville, Kentucky. At least 12 people were killed. National Transportation Safety Board said that as the MD-11's left wing rolled down the runway at Louisville Airport, a large plume of smoke erupted and one of three engines detach from this wing. Flight tracking data shows that the plane was parked in San Antonio, Texas from September 3 until October 18. Todd Inman, a member of the NTSB, told reporters Thursday that he was aware that this aircraft had been in San Antonio. He did not give a timeframe. "We will examine every maintenance item, from San Antonio time to the flight date." ST Engineering of Singapore, which claims to provide airframe maintenance to UPS's MD-11 aircraft, and to operate a repair facility at San Antonio, has declined to comment, but stated that it will fully cooperate with the relevant authorities if they contact it. Federal Aviation Administration records from September 18 indicate that a crack in a structural part inside the fuel tank on the center wing needed to be repaired. UPS sent all inquiries to the NTSB as per standard procedure in air crash investigations. On Thursday, the cargo giant named the pilots who operated the flight as Captain Richard Wartenberg First Officer Lee Truitt and International Relief Officer Capt. Dana Diamond. The crash killed all three. There is no evidence to suggest that the crash of a freighter headed for Honolulu was caused by poor maintenance. The plane crashed into a number structures outside the airport grounds, killing at least nine on the ground. A crash in the air is usually caused by a number of factors. The preliminary report should be expected within 30 days. The NTSB reported that the two "black boxes" of the plane, the cockpit voice recorder (CVR) and flight data recorder (FDR), had been successfully downloaded and a transcription of the cockpit conversation is being prepared. Inman stated that the NTSB has no immediate concerns regarding the MD-11 program as a whole, which Boeing owns since the 1997 merger between McDonnell Douglas and Boeing. FedEx and UPS operate about 50 MD-11 cargo planes worldwide. In an earlier press conference, Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg informed reporters that investigators were still combing through the wreckage of the crash to look for clues or possible victims. Nine people have been reported missing in addition to those who are dead. Greenberg stated that there was so much charred metal and mangled metal, it is possible that the bodies have not been found. (Reporting and editing by Jamie Freed in Montreal, Allison Lampert)
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Trump administration announces Boeing deals in Central Asia
The U.S. administration of President Donald Trump announced new deals on Thursday to sell Boeing aircraft to airlines in Central Asian countries Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. The Commerce Department announced that Kazakhstan flag carrier Air Astana intends to purchase up to 15 Boeing 787 Dreamliners in order to modernize and expand its fleet. The C5+1 Summit, which took place in Washington to mark the 10th anniversary diplomatic meeting between the leaders of the five Central Asian Republics and the United States, signed the orders. Air Astana operates three Boeing 767 widebody aircraft that connect Kazakhstan to destinations in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Boeing says the new planes allow for expansion into North America. Commerce reported that Tajikistan’s national airline Somon Air intends to purchase up to 14 Boeing aircraft, including four 787s as well as 10 737 MAX planes. Uzbekistan Airways also plans to purchase eight additional 787 aircraft. Trade deals and negotiations between Trump and foreign governments have emphasized the importance of new Boeing planes made in the United States. As part of the trade agreements announced this year, Boeing won orders for hundreds new aircraft. China is one of the big orders that has not been finalized. Boeing has been reported to be in discussions to sell up to 500 jets in China. This would represent a significant breakthrough for the company, as orders in this market have stalled due to the U.S. China trade tensions. Reporting by David Shepardson, Daphne Psaledakis and Trevor Hunnicutt. Editing by Lisa Shumaker.
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Brussels airport temporarily suspended operations due to drone sighting
A spokesperson for Skeyes, the air traffic control company, said that operations at Belgium's Brussels Airport had temporarily been halted due to drone sightings on Thursday. The spokesperson did not specify how many drones were sighted. Local media reported that drones were also spotted in other parts, including at a military facility. On Thursday morning, the Belgian government called an urgent meeting of its key ministers and chiefs of security after drone sightings on Tuesday night forced the closure of two airports and one military airbase in what was described by the defence minister as a coordinated attack. Germany has announced that the Bundeswehr will supply Belgium with Short-notice Support in counter-drone capabilities. In recent months, drones have caused significant disruptions throughout Europe. They forced the temporary closure of airports in many countries. Some officials blamed the incidents upon "hybrid war" by Russia. Moscow denies any involvement in the incidents. (Reporting and editing by Chris Reese, Bart Meijer, Charlotte Van Campenhout)
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US strikes on Caribbean and Pacific have killed over 60 people as calls for investigation mount
According to the U.S. Secretary of Defense, the U.S. carried out 13 strikes on vessels in the Eastern Pacific Ocean and near the Venezuelan coastline since September, killing over 60 people. This is part of a growing military build-up in the Caribbean Sea. U.S. officials have claimed, without providing evidence, that the boats they bombed were carrying drugs. However, foreign leaders, members of Congress and legal experts, as well as the families of those who died, are demanding proof. Venezuela has said that the U.S. attacks on suspected drug dealers off South America's coast are illegal and amount to aggression. The United Nations chief of human rights called them "unacceptable," and they violate international human rights laws. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro accused Donald Trump, who has denied the claim, of wanting regime change. This accusation was downplayed by the U.S. President, despite reports that the administration has been in close contact with Venezuelan opposition. The U.S. increased its military presence in September with a nuclear sub and warships accompanying one of the world's biggest aircraft carriers. This prompted Maduro, who had already deployed tens and thousands of troops across the country, to beef up his security. U.S. officials have described some of those killed in the attacks as Venezuelans. Colombian President Gustavo Petro said that others were Colombians. The family of a Trinidadian believed to have been killed in a strike has demanded proof that he was a drug dealer. Here's a list with all the U.S. strike dates: Trump announced that 11 people died in a strike against a vessel suspected of carrying illegal drugs out of Venezuela on September 2. It is the first operation known since Trump's administration sent warships into the southern Caribbean. Venezuelan officials later denied that any of the 11 victims was a member of the Tren de Aragua group Trump cited. Trump announced that three men were killed during a strike against another alleged Venezuelan drugs vessel in international waters. He added that the boat was headed to the U.S. He did not provide any evidence that the boat carried drugs. SEPTEMBER 19, Trump announced that three men were killed during a second attack on a boat allegedly transporting drugs. OCTOBER 3 – Four people died in a strike on a vessel suspected of carrying drugs just off the Venezuelan coastline, according to U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. Trump claimed that six people had been killed in a new strike near Venezuela's coastline. He said they were drug dealers. Two people have been killed in a new strike in the Caribbean. It was the first time that survivors were involved, two Colombians and one Ecuadorean. They were quickly returned to their countries of origin. Colombia announced that its citizen would be "processed in accordance with the law." Ecuador has said that it does not have any evidence to hold its citizen, and has released him. Three people were killed by a strike on October 17. Hegseth claimed that the boat was owned by the National Liberation Army rebels (ELN), but Colombian President Gustavo Petro denied this, stating it belonged to a "humble" family. Hegseth’s claim was also denied by the ELN. Hegseth claimed that five people had been killed in two strikes on vessels in the eastern Pacific. He said they were suspected drug smugglers. This was the first U.S. military strike in the Pacific after Trump's anti-drug initiative. Hegseth claimed that six people died in the Caribbean on a vessel operated by the Tren de Aragua criminal gang. One survivor was left after three U.S. attacks on vessels that the U.S. claimed were transporting drugs to the eastern Pacific. Hegseth reported that Mexican authorities were in charge of the search and rescue operation to find the sole survivor. The Mexican Navy announced that it had suspended the search four days later. Hegseth claimed that four men were killed during a strike on a vessel in the Eastern Pacific. He said it was a drug ship. Hegseth reported that three men were killed on a vessel operating in the Caribbean. Hegseth reported that two men died in international waters of the Eastern Pacific in a vessel suspected to be a drug-trafficking vessel. Reporting by Michelle Nichols and Julia Symmes Cobb; Editing by Alistair Bell, Marguerita Choy, and Aurora Ellis.
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US strikes on Caribbean and Pacific kill over 60 people as investigations are demanded
According to the U.S. Secretary of Defense, the U.S. reported 13 strikes on vessels near Venezuelan shores and, more recently, the eastern Pacific Ocean. More than 60 people were killed. This is part of a growing military buildup along the Caribbean Sea. U.S. officials have claimed, without providing any evidence, that the boats they bombed were carrying drugs. However, foreign leaders, members of Congress and legal experts, as well as the families of those killed, have demanded proof. Venezuela claims that the U.S. attacks on suspected drug dealers off South America's coast are illegal and amount to murder, as well as an aggression against Venezuela, a sovereign South American nation. The Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro accused Donald Trump seeking a regime change. This accusation was downplayed by the U.S. President, despite reports that the administration had been in close contact with Venezuela’s opposition. In September, U.S. military forces increased their presence in the Caribbean. This included a nuclear sub and a group warships that accompanied the largest aircraft carrier on earth. Maduro responded by bolstering security and deploying tens and thousands of troops across the country. The U.S. described some victims as Venezuelans while Colombian president Gustavo Petro said that others were his Colombians. The family of a Trinidadian believed to have been killed in a strike has demanded proof that he was a trafficker. Here's a list of U.S. strike dates: Trump announced that 11 people died in a strike against a vessel that was allegedly transporting illegal drugs from Venezuela on September 2. It is the first operation known since Trump's administration sent warships into the southern Caribbean. Venezuelan officials later denied that any of the 11 victims was a member of the Tren de Aragua group Trump cited. Trump announced that three men were killed during a strike against another alleged Venezuelan drugs vessel in international waters. He added that the boat was headed to the U.S. He did not provide any evidence that the boat carried drugs. SEPTEMBER 19, Trump announced that three men were killed during a second attack on a boat allegedly transporting drugs. OCTOBER 3 – Four people died in a strike on a vessel suspected of carrying drugs just off the Venezuelan coastline, according to U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. Trump claimed that six people had been killed in a new strike near Venezuela's coastline. He said they were drug dealers. On 16 October, two people were killed by another attack in the Caribbean. It was the first time that survivors were involved, two Colombians and one Ecuadorian. They were quickly returned to their countries of origin. Colombia announced that its citizen would be "processed in accordance with the law." Ecuador has said that it does not have any evidence to hold its citizen, and has released him. OCTOBER 17, 2017 - A strike killed three people. Hegseth claimed that the boat was owned by the National Liberation Army rebels (ELN), but Colombian President Gustavo Petro denied this, saying the boat was owned by a "humble" family. Hegseth has been denied by the ELN. Hegseth claimed that five people died in strikes on two vessels in eastern Pacific. He said they were drug smugglers. This was the first U.S. military strike in the Pacific after Trump's anti-drug initiative. Hegseth claimed that six people died in the Caribbean on October 24, claiming the vessel was run by the Tren de Aragua criminal gang. One survivor was left after three U.S. airstrikes against vessels that the U.S. claimed were transporting drugs to the eastern Pacific. Hegseth reported that Mexican authorities took charge of the search and rescue operation to find the sole survivor. Mexico's Navy announced that it would suspend the search four days later. Hegseth claimed that four men were killed during a strike on a vessel in the Eastern Pacific. Hegseth reported that three men were killed on a vessel operating in the Caribbean. Hegseth reported that two men died in international waters of the Eastern Pacific in a vessel suspected to be a drug-trafficking vessel. Reporting by Michelle Nichols and Julia Symmes Cobb; Editing by Alistair Bell, Marguerita Choy, and Aurora Ellis.
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In Indian ports, the urals differentials are lower and there is a steeper discount for the grade.
The price differential between Urals and Brent for December arrived in India on Thursday, as the flagship blend of Russia was traded at its steepest discount in over a year. This is due to new U.S. sanctions against Russia's top oil producers. The price difference for Russia's flagship Urals oil in Indian ports has widened from $2 to $4 per barrel under Brent for December arrival. This is the largest discount in about a month. According to estimates and shipping and trading sources, Russia's oil imports to western ports will decrease in November due to higher refinery runs but remain near the records set over the past few months. Lukoil - Russia's second largest oil producer - has begun diverting Caspian Oil flows from Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, to Makhachkala, the Russian port, to combat Western sanctions. PLATTS WINDOW There were no bids or offers reported for Urals, Azeri BTC Blend or CPC blend crude in Platts. The Volgograd refinery of Russian oil giant Lukoil has stopped operations after being hit by Ukrainian drones. * ANALYSIS - Too large to swallow? Gunvor's acquisition of the Lukoil empire is not a simple one. Hugh Lawson, Hugh Lawson (Reporting)
NTSB to probe UPS plane maintenance history
Safety investigators in the United States said Thursday that they are investigating the maintenance history for a UPS cargo aircraft which was in Texas weeks before it crashed in flames on Tuesday in Louisville, Kentucky. At least 13 people were killed.
National Transportation Safety Board said that as the MD-11's left wing rolled down the runway at Louisville Airport, a large plume of smoke erupted and one of three engines detach from this wing.
Flight tracking data shows that the plane was parked in San Antonio, Texas from September 3 until October 18.
Todd Inman, a member of the NTSB, told reporters Thursday that he was aware that the aircraft had been in San Antonio. He did not give a timeframe. "We will examine every maintenance item, from San Antonio time to the date of flight," Inman said.
ST Engineering of Singapore, which claims to provide airframe maintenance to UPS's MD-11 aircraft, and to operate a repair facility at San Antonio, has declined to comment, but stated that it will fully cooperate with the relevant authorities if they contact it.
Federal Aviation Administration records from September 18 indicate that a crack in a structural part inside the fuel tank on the center wing needed to be repaired.
UPS sent all inquiries to the NTSB as per standard procedure in air crash investigations.
On Thursday, the cargo giant named the pilots who operated the flight as Captain Richard Wartenberg First Officer Lee Truitt and International Relief Officer Capt. Dana Diamond. The crash killed all three.
There is no evidence to suggest that the crash of a freighter headed for Honolulu was caused by poor maintenance. The plane crashed into a number structures outside the airport grounds, killing at least 10 on the ground.
A crash in the air is usually caused by a number of factors. The preliminary report should be expected within 30 days.
The NTSB reported that the two "black boxes" of the plane, the cockpit voice recorder (CVR) and flight data recorder (FDR), had been successfully downloaded and a transcription of the cockpit conversation is being prepared.
Inman stated that the NTSB has no immediate concerns regarding the MD-11 program as a whole, which Boeing owns since the 1997 merger between McDonnell Douglas and Boeing. FedEx and UPS operate about 50 MD-11 cargo planes worldwide.
On Thursday night, Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg announced on the social media site X that there were now 13 deaths.
He told reporters earlier in the day that investigators were still searching the wreckage for clues, and possibly victims.
Greenberg stated that there was so much charred metal and mangled metal, it is possible that the bodies have not been found. (Reporting and editing by Jamie Freed in Montreal, Allison Lampert)
(source: Reuters)