Senate Nears Vote on Government Shutdown Resolution

The Senate is making progress towards a resolution to end the government shutdown, with Majority Leader John Thune predicting a vote within hours rather than days. The bill will still need to pass the House before the government can fully reopen. The legislation, negotiated by a small group of Democrats, would fund the government through the end of January and protect federal workers from further layoffs through January. It also guarantees backpay for furloughed workers once the shutdown is over. However, some Democrats are criticizing their colleagues for not securing healthcare concessions from Republicans.

Air Travelers Face Extended Delays and Cancellations

Air travelers should expect continued delays and cancellations this week, even if the government shutdown ends. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) plans to implement deeper cuts to flights at 40 major U. S. airports, as air traffic controllers have gone unpaid for nearly a month. Some controllers have stopped showing up for work due to added stress and the need for second jobs. These staffing shortages have led to significant delays, with average delays of four hours at Chicago O’Hare and 45 minutes in Las Vegas on Monday. President Trump has pressured controllers to return to work, but the situation remains dire for air travelers.

ByHeart Baby Formula Linked to Botulism Outbreak

Preliminary tests have confirmed that ByHeart baby formula, linked to a botulism outbreak, contains the type of bacteria that produces the toxin responsible for sickening at least 13 infants in 10 states. While no deaths have been reported, California health officials are advising consumers to stop using the powdered infant formula immediately. ByHeart has issued a recall for two lots of its Whole Nutrition Infant Formula. Botulism is a rare but serious disease that can cause paralysis and death, with symptoms taking weeks to develop.

Details of Government Shutdown Resolution Revealed

A bipartisan legislative package to end the government shutdown is making its way through the Senate, with a handful of Democrats joining Republicans to advance the bill. However, it still faces some hurdles before it can be passed and sent to the House. The deal includes funding for SNAP food aid and other programs, as well as backpay for furloughed federal workers. However, it does not provide funding for expiring healthcare subsidies, which has drawn criticism from both sides. This debate will be pushed off until a vote next month.

Warren Buffett Announces Charitable Donations and Reflects on Life

Billionaire Warren Buffett has warned shareholders that many companies will fare better than his own Berkshire Hathaway in the coming decades, as he approaches 95 years old. In his annual letter to shareholders, he announced $1. 3 billion in new charitable gifts to his children’s four family foundations. Buffett also reflected on his life, saying that he considers himself lucky to have been born in Omaha, Nebraska, where he has made many lifelong friends.