US government fails in Senate
The United States government officially shut down federal services at midnight after Senate Democrats blocked a final Republican bill to extend federal funding for another seven weeks.
With only 54 seats in the Senate, Republicans needed at least 60 votes to pass the bill, but they only managed 55 in favor and 45 against, which was not enough for approval.
Democrats used this situation as a bargaining chip to achieve their political goals, demanding the extension of health care subsidies in the face of rising prices for citizens.
South African ambassador found dead in Paris
South Africa's ambassador to France, Nkosinathi Emmanuel Mthethwa, was found dead on Tuesday outside a high-rise hotel in Paris, local authorities confirmed.
The Paris prosecutor's office has launched an investigation into the death of the 58-year-old, who was reported missing by his wife on Monday after she received a disturbing message from him.
According to the prosecution, Mthethwa had booked a room on the 22nd floor of the Hyatt Regency hotel and the window had been forced open.
Trump imposes new tariffs on imported lumber and furniture
US President Donald Trump announced on Monday the imposition of new tariffs of 10% on imported lumber and 25% on kitchens, bathrooms and upholstered furniture, including sofas and armchairs.
In his statement, Trump said an official investigation had concluded that wood products are being imported in quantities and under conditions that endanger US national security.
According to the report, the US has sufficient raw material, but imports have damaged domestic production capacity, to the point that the country may not be able to meet demands for wood products that are vital to national defense and infrastructure.
Portugal adopts tougher immigration laws
Portugal on Tuesday approved a new package of tougher immigration laws that make it harder to enter and stay in the country. The law was passed with the votes of center-right and far-right parties in Parliament.
After the Constitutional Court struck down the previous version in July, deeming it too restrictive for immigrant families, Parliament approved a revised text.
