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Government Shutdown: IRS Shutters Operations as 34,000 Furloughed

The government shutdown has forced the IRS to send mass furlough notices and suspend most services, placing roughly 34,000 employees on leave and crippling tax processing as pressure mounts on Congress to reopen federal funding.

Number

34,000 - IRS employees furloughed amid the government shutdown

Quote

"Come and get me" — JB Pritzker

SPX 6,754 ↑ 0.58% Dow 46,602 ↓ 0.00% Nasdaq 23,043 ↑ 1.12% Gold 4,064 ↑ 1.50% BTC 123,616 ↑ 1.82%

24 Hours

IRS shutters operations: 34,000 furloughed

The federal funding lapse is extending into a second week and forcing major operational disruptions across government. Key impacts include mass IRS furloughs, air traffic control staffing strains that are delaying flights, and the House speaker rejecting a separate vote to guarantee military pay.

Palisades fire ruled arson - arrest announced

Federal authorities announced arrests in the months-long probe of the Pacific Palisades inferno that killed a dozen and destroyed thousands of homes. Investigators say the blaze was malicious and have charged a Florida man after digital evidence emerged.

Comey arraigned - pleads not guilty

Former FBI director James Comey made his first federal court appearance after indictment. The arraignment produced a not guilty plea, defense assertions that prosecutors are unprepared, and notice that classified material may be part of the case.

Trump calls for jailing of Chicago mayor and Illinois governor

Tensions spiked as the White House escalated rhetoric and federal forces moved into Democratic‑run jurisdictions. President Trump called for jailing local officials while National Guard contingents from other states arrived to support federal operations in Illinois.

US and Israel boost presence at Gaza talks

Diplomats and envoys intensified shuttle diplomacy as negotiators said progress may be near on a phased Gaza agreement. The US and Israeli presence at talks grew and officials expressed guarded optimism that a first step deal could be reached imminently.

Hamas demands written guarantees in ceasefire talks

As talks proceed, Hamas published firm demands that complicate a deal. Negotiators are weighing written guarantees, prisoner exchanges, and the return of bodies while Israeli officials warn some outcomes may be unattainable.

Putin visits Tajikistan for ex Soviet summit

Military and energy infrastructure in the Russia Ukraine theater saw renewed strikes and diplomatic movement. Vladimir Putin undertook a Central Asian trip while Russian strikes hit Ukrainian energy and fuel sites, imperilling supplies as winter nears.

Analysis warns Supreme Court ruling could clear path to one party rule

Legal experts warned that pending Supreme Court decisions could reshape U.S. politics, with cases over mail‑in ballots and redistricting carrying the potential to shift House control. Analysts say the consequences could be profound for representation.

Gold tops $4,000 an ounce for the first time

Gold soared to record levels as investors sought safety amid geopolitical and domestic turmoil. The metal surpassed $4,000 an ounce and analysts debated whether the rally signals deeper market worry despite some advisors stressing stocks remain resilient.

Fed minutes show most officials backed further rate cuts

Minutes from the Federal Reserve's recent meeting show most officials favored further rate cuts, but division remains as members debate growth and jobs data. The notes underscore the central bank's delicate balancing act on policy ahead.

Man with 200 explosives arrested outside Supreme Court church

Federal agents uncovered dramatic explosives plots near national institutions in separate incidents. Authorities arrested men found with scores or hundreds of homemade bombs and incendiary devices outside high profile events and religious services.

Manchester synagogue attacker pledged allegiance to Islamic State

British investigators say the attacker who struck a Manchester synagogue pledged allegiance to the Islamic State during the assault. Authorities released details about the suspect's calls and identity as the probe continues.

Federal judge finds ICE violated consent decree in Chicago

Courts and oversight reports kept ICE in the headlines as judges found violations of consent decrees and agencies faced scrutiny. Meanwhile agents continued enforcement operations even amid pay disruptions tied to the federal shutdown.

White House officials discussed invoking the Insurrection Act

Reports show the Trump White House seriously discussed invoking the 19th‑century Insurrection Act to deploy forces domestically, sparking alarm and legal challenges. Debate inside the administration and in Congress is intensifying over the legal and political risks.

Pentagon Press Association condemns Hegseth rules

Journalists and press groups blasted new Pentagon credentialing rules pushed by a high profile official, arguing the policies threaten transparency. The Pentagon pressed ahead despite media warnings of intimidation and restricted access to military coverage.

Final New Orleans jail escapee captured in Atlanta

The final fugitive from a dramatic New Orleans jailbreak was taken into custody after a months‑long manhunt. Authorities arrested Derrick Groves following an Atlanta standoff that closed a chapter on the escape that shocked local officials.

Photographer captures Pam Bondi's Senate hearing notes

Attorney General Pam Bondi drew intense scrutiny during a Senate hearing as her notes, evasive answers, and prepared lines sparked criticism from senators and commentators. The episode heightened debate over DOJ independence and partisan oversight.

After Lecornu's fall all eyes on Macron's next move

France's government teetered as a ministerial resignation triggered a political scramble. The outgoing prime minister said a successor could be named within days amid fears the turmoil could force early elections or broader instability.

Senate Democrats to force vote on boat strikes

Senators prepared to force votes aimed at curbing the White House's strikes on vessels alleged to be smuggling drugs, raising a rare war powers confrontation. Human rights and regional actors warned that the strikes risk broader escalation in the Caribbean.

IMF chief expects decisions soon on Argentina aid

Global financial institutions and investors weighed risks as the economy shows mixed signals. The IMF signaled caution on aid and growth, while major asset managers made pivotal purchases in energy and utilities as markets reacted to policy uncertainty.

Organic frozen spinach recalled nationwide over listeria

Food safety agencies issued urgent recalls after listeria concerns emerged in frozen produce and meal kits. The recalls affect nationwide supermarket supplies and have prompted public warnings about ready to eat foods that can cause severe illness.

Violent Oct 7 anniversary protest leaves four officers hospitalized

Anniversary demonstrations marking Oct 7 provoked large protests in U.S. cities with clashes and arrests. Authorities reported violent outbreaks and injuries to officers as some demonstrations turned confrontational on college campuses and in urban centers.

xAI secures $20 billion funding round led by Nvidia

Elon Musk's AI and social media ventures made headlines with blockbuster funding moves and legal settlements. xAI drew massive investor interest while Musk's X resolved a long running severance dispute with former executives.

OpenAI warns foreign hacking groups use AI to power scams

Tech and security agencies sounded alarms about AI misuse as companies rolled out more autonomous tools. Reports show foreign hacking groups exploit AI for scams while major firms expand browser automation and face intensified competition.