In a surprise move this Wednesday, U.S. District Judge Susan Illston of California issued a ruling blocking the Trump administration’s plan to lay off thousands of federal workers during the ongoing government shutdown, now in its third week. The judge ruled the planned cuts appeared politically motivated and didn’t follow legal procedures. ⚖️
Since the shutdown began, over 13,000 air traffic controllers and 50,000 TSA officers have been working on partial paychecks—or none at all if the standoff drags on. The result? Mounting sick calls and thousands of flight delays across the country. Airlines for America CEO Chris Sununu warned that "after three weeks, that just puts real strain on the system." ✈️🤒
Beyond the tarmacs, closures of museums, zoos and tourist hotspots in Washington, D.C., have disappointed visitors, while the housing market reels from buyer uncertainty. A recent Redfin report found that 17% of Americans have postponed big purchases like homes and cars. 🏠🚗
Daryl Fairweather, Redfin’s Chief Economist, predicts rental prices could spike as more people delay buying. But with affordability declining, many renters could be squeezed. 💸
Meanwhile, roughly 7 million low-income Americans relying on the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children may face food assistance cuts as funding runs dry. Food banks are already seeing a wave of first-time visitors. 🥛🍞
On top of it all, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warns the shutdown is costing the U.S. economy about $15 billion per day in lost output. "The shutdown is starting to cut into the muscle of the U.S. economy," he said, urging Congress to find common ground soon. 💥💼
While the politics unfold in Washington, the ripple effects are global—from flight connectivity in Southeast Asia to volatile markets watching U.S. consumer spending. Stay tuned as this story develops. 🌏
Reference(s):
Judge blocks Trump's layoff plan as U.S. shutdown enters third week
cgtn.com
