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Congress Averts Government Shutdown with Last-Minute Spending Bill

  In a dramatic turn of events, Congress narrowly avoided a government shutdown by passing a crucial spending bill late Friday night. The bill, which extends government funding until mid-March, was approved by the House with a vote of 366 to 34 and later passed by the Senate. This legislation provides $110 billion in relief for natural disaster survivors and aid to farmers, while also extending the farm bill. However, the bill notably excludes President-elect Donald Trump's demand to raise the debt ceiling. Instead, Republicans are considering a handshake deal to raise the debt limit by $1.5 trillion early next year and reduce future government spending by $2.5 trillion. This compromise does not have the force of law and will be revisited in the coming months. The spending package also left out key Democratic priorities, such as funding for pediatric cancer research. Despite these omissions, the bill's passage was seen as a significant achievement for House Speaker Mike Johnson...

Israel Strikes Hezbollah Weapons Smuggling Sites in Syria Amid Ceasefire Tensions


Israeli aircraft struck Hezbollah weapons smuggling sites along Syria's border with Lebanon on Saturday, November 30, 2024, testing a fragile ceasefire that took effect earlier this week. The Israeli military stated that the sites were used to smuggle weapons from Syria to Lebanon, which it deemed a violation of the ceasefire terms.

The ceasefire, brokered by the United States and France, calls for an initial two-month truce, during which Hezbollah militants are to withdraw north of Lebanon's Litani River, and Israeli forces are to return to their side of the border. Despite the ceasefire, sporadic violence has continued, reflecting the uneasy nature of the agreement.

There was no immediate comment from Syrian authorities or Hezbollah. The Israeli military has accused Hezbollah of violating the ceasefire multiple times since it began on November 27, 2024. Lebanon has also accused Israel of ceasefire violations.

The situation remains tense as displaced residents return to their homes amid warnings from both the Israeli and Lebanese militaries to stay away from certain areas.


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