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A month into the federal shutdown, nationwide flight delays mounted as courts ordered continued SNAP funding and political tensions rose over the filibuster.

Abroad, Gaza’s fragile cease-fire faced new tests even as markets climbed on upbeat results from Amazon and Apple.

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The shutdown reached Day 31 as unpaid FAA staff and air traffic controllers fueled widespread flight delays across major U.S. hubs.

Airlines warned of growing cancellations heading into holiday travel season. Systemwide disruptions have been reported at Newark, Atlanta, and Dallas.

Two federal judges also ordered continued SNAP food benefit payments, while the White House sought clarification to maintain compliance as pressure mounts for a legislative deal.

Why it matters: Extended travel delays threaten supply chains and consumer confidence, while legal mandates over food aid reveal deepening political and operational strain.

Banks reopened in Gaza for the first time in weeks but quickly ran out of money as customers flooded branches seeking withdrawals. Reports from Gaza City describe hours-long lines and little liquidity.

The bottleneck stems from damaged infrastructure and tight controls on physical cash transfers despite reduced hostilities.

International aid groups warned the shortage could impede recovery even if the cease-fire holds.

Why it matters: The economic paralysis illustrates how fragile the truce remains and how humanitarian recovery depends on financial stability.

Tech stocks rallied after Amazon reported surging cloud revenues driven by AI demand, and Apple offered an upbeat holiday sales forecast.

The Nasdaq posted its strongest weekly finish in a month.

Investors viewed the results as confirmation that enterprise AI spending remains resilient despite tighter capital markets.

Why it matters: Big Tech continues to anchor equity performance and drive infrastructure growth across the global economy.

Taiwan’s newly elected opposition leader pledged to “lower the temperature” with China and avoid “sleepwalking into conflict” as the island repositions after APEC.

The leadership change reshapes domestic debates on defense and diplomacy.

Certification of Netherlands election results solidified the centrist bloc’s position, launching complex coalition talks after populist losses in the vote.

President Yoon Suk Yeol met with Chinese officials to seek Beijing’s support for renewed engagement with Pyongyang. Talks in Beijing signaled cautious optimism for regional diplomacy.

The Food and Drug Administration ordered four companies to stop selling unapproved fluoride products for children, citing safety and lack of proof they prevent cavities. FDA action affects products never formally reviewed for efficacy.

A federal court blocked a presidential order requiring proof of citizenship to register to vote, ruling it violates federal election law. Court decision reaffirmed state control over registration rules.

ESPN, ABC, and other Disney networks went dark on YouTube TV after carriage talks failed. Blackout coverage left millions without access as key sports events approach.

Oil prices dipped as producers signaled plans for a modest December production increase. OPEC+ sources indicated the group aims to stabilize markets amid slowing global demand and elevated inventories.

Consumer prices in the euro area fell to 2.6% in October, the lowest level since 2022. The latest inflation data showed declines in energy and food costs, giving the European Central Bank space to hold rates steady.

The Treasury Department said it will increase long-term bond issuance in early 2026 to meet growing deficit needs. The bond sale plan follows strong investor demand at recent auctions despite higher borrowing costs.

Scientists discovered a soil-based compound that kills drug-resistant bacteria, potentially leading to new treatments. The research report described a unique molecular mechanism that overcomes bacterial defenses.

Tech companies continue rapid data center construction to meet AI demand, with global spending exceeding $200 billion this year. Industry analysis said the boom is reshaping global chip and power markets.

NASA successfully fired a methane-fueled rocket engine for its upcoming Artemis missions. The test confirmation said all performance targets were met.

Luka Doncic scored 44 points in his return as the Lakers beat Memphis 117–112. The game recap noted he added 12 rebounds and six assists.

Devin Booker scored 36 points and nine assists as Phoenix defeated Utah 118–96 to open in-season tournament play. The match report marked Phoenix’s best start in four years.

Troy Terry scored twice as Anaheim topped Detroit 5–2, marking its fourth straight win. The NHL recap highlighted Leo Carlsson’s three assists.

A new sci-fi project titled “Shiver” teams Keanu Reeves with director Tim Miller, as the studio packages a high-concept genre play for production.

Fresh Nielsen data spotlighted the most-watched horror titles of recent Octobers, with franchise favorites dominating streaming queues.

Broadway attendance surged 12% in October, marking one of the strongest months since the pandemic as new shows like Sunset Boulevard and The Outsiders drew packed houses.

The U.S. government shutdown has entered its second month, creating widespread strain across transportation, social programs, and federal services.

Flight delays worsened this week as the Federal Aviation Administration reported major staffing shortages among unpaid controllers. FAA data showed cascading disruptions at major hubs, including Atlanta, Newark, and Dallas.

Courts intervened to maintain basic aid programs, ordering the continuation of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program payments through existing reserves.

The court ruling prevents an immediate lapse for millions of households but leaves agencies uncertain about future funding.

Lawmakers have shown little progress toward a deal.

Senate leaders again rejected proposals to suspend the filibuster to end the stalemate, signaling that negotiations remain gridlocked.

Leadership response underscored the limits of procedural workarounds in a divided Congress.

The shutdown’s economic impact continues to rise. Analysts estimate costs have already exceeded $10 billion through lost productivity, delayed contracts, and missed pay.

Economists warn that extended disruptions could slow fourth-quarter growth and complicate monetary policy as the holiday season approaches.

• NASA released a Halloween photo of orange and violet nebulae over Kitt Peak Observatory. The image feature captured vivid night-sky colors.

• A 19th-century shipwreck found off the Oregon coast contained preserved cargo from the 1870s. The discovery details included textiles, tools, and ceramics.

• COP30 organizers finalized logistics and security plans as world leaders prepare to meet in Brazil next week. The summit preview outlined new security and transportation measures.

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—The Five Minute Daily Team