US Congress averts government shutdown as fight continues over pandemic aid

Washington: Congress passed a two-day stopgap spending bill Friday night, averting a partial government shutdown and buying yet more time for frustratingly slow endgame negotiations on an almost $1 trillion COVID-19 economic relief package. The virus aid talks remained on track, both sides said, but closing out final disagreements was proving difficult. Weekend sessions were […]

Just hours left for a Brexit trade deal, says EU chief negotiator Barnier

London: Britain and the European Union have just hours left to navigate the very narrow path to a trade deal that would prevent the most turbulent finale to the Brexit crisis in less than two weeks’ time, EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier said Friday. As talks go down to the wire, both sides are demanding […]