Trump news at a glance: Democrats say administration refusing shutdown talks as president repeats threat of firings
Politics

Trump news at a glance: Democrats say administration refusing shutdown talks as president repeats threat of firings

The Trump administration will start mass layoffs of federal workers if the president decides negotiations to end the government shutdown are “absolutely going nowhere,” a senior White House official has said. Kevin Hassett told CNN he still saw a chance that Democrats would back down, but added that Trump was “getting ready to act” if he has to. No tangible signs of negotiations have emerged between congressional leaders since Trump met with them last week. The shutdown began on 1 October, after Senate Democrats rejected a short-term funding measure that would keep federal agencies open through to 21 November. Democrats are demanding that funding include healthcare measures for low-income Americans. “They’ve refused to talk with us,” Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer told CBS, saying the impasse could be solved only by further talks between Trump and the four...
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Divided by God: Extremism and the fight for Nigeria’s soul
Politics

Divided by God: Extremism and the fight for Nigeria’s soul

In a nation as diverse as Nigeria, where faith often intersects with politics and daily life, questions about the spread of extremist ideologies demand urgent attention. The notion of a “Quran Atlantic” evokes fears of radical Islamic influence expanding beyond borders, potentially fueling jihadist agendas aimed at dominating non-believers. This concern stems from ongoing violence that many see as part of a broader strategy to impose strict interpretations of religious law on secular societies. In Nigeria, the integration of Sharia law into the constitution since 1999 has sparked debates about fairness and equality. While intended to govern personal matters in northern states, its application often appears selective, targeting the vulnerable while sparing the powerful. Residents in these areas complain that poor individuals face harsh punishments for minor offenses, such as theft or adultery, leading to amputations or...
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‘The time is now to stop Reform’
Politics

‘The time is now to stop Reform’

One party has held court over Welsh politics for more than a century. Welsh Labour MPs have been the largest group sent to Westminster in every general election since 1922 - and the party has been in government in the country for more than a quarter of a century. But if the polls are accurate, Labour's long-standing grip on politics in Wales is fading. Politics latest - follow live Plaid Cymru and Reform UK are running almost neck and neck, while Labour trails significantly. A recent YouGov poll put Plaid Cymru on 30%, Reform UK on 29% and Labour at 14%. Plaid Cymru, heading into its conference this weekend, can sense the mood for change in Wales - and intends to show it is ready for government. ...
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The shutdown’s newest stage: From the Politics Desk
Politics

The shutdown’s newest stage: From the Politics Desk

Welcome to the online version of From the Politics Deska newsletter that brings you the NBC News Politics team’s latest reporting and analysis from the White House, Capitol Hill and the campaign trail.In Friday’s edition, four of NBC News’ reporters in Washington dig into the next phase of the government shutdown standoff: layoffs ordered by the Trump administration. Plus, “Meet the Press” moderator Kristen Welker dives into Trump’s direction of the prosecution of old political adversaries.Sign up to receive this newsletter in your inbox every weekday here.— Scott BlandTrump's latest shutdown move: 'Substantial' federal layoffsBy Sahil Kapur, Yamiche Alcindor, Monica Alba and Laura StricklerThe Trump administration announced Friday that it has begun “substantial” layoffs of federal workers, as the government remains shut down due to the inability of Congress to reach a funding deal. “The...
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