Government shutdown is becoming a chance for Trump to take more power

Russia population, U.S.-China trade, Louvre arrests

ADVERTISEMENT View in Browser | APNews DONATE View in Browser | APNews DONATE Policy changes, but facts endure. AP delivers accurate, fact-based journalism to keep the world informed in every administration. Support independent reporting today. Donate. By Sallee Ann Harrison October 26, 2025 By Sallee Ann Harrison October 26, 2025 Good morning and welcome to the Sunday edition of Morning Wire, where we give you the weekend rundown to get ready for the week ahead. Today, Russia faces a shrinking and aging population, U.S.-China trade tensions appear to cool, and suspects are arrested in the Louvre museum crown jewels heist. But first, the government shutdown is becoming a chance for President Donald Trump to take more power. UP FIRST The Statue of Peace looks on as the statue of Freedom is visible in the background in Washington on Thursday. (AP Photo/Mariam Zuhaib) Shutdowns began as a way to enforce federal law. Now Trump is using it to take more power The government shutdown, already the second-longest in history, with no end in sight, is quickly becoming a way for President Donald Trump to exercise new command over the government. It wasn't always this way. In fact, it all started with an attempt to tighten Washington's observance of federal law. Read more. TOP STORIES People walk from Red Square with St. Basil's Cathedral in the background in Moscow, Russia, in Aug. 2025. (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko) Russia's population is getting smaller and older. Putin sees that as a national security threat Russia has grappled with a shrinking and aging population for decades, with President Vladimir Putin viewing it as a threat to national security. Yet despite efforts like cash incentives and family-friendly policies, the number of deaths now outpaces births. Desperate to reverse the trend, Russian authorities are also rolling out a wave of restrictive laws, such as banning "child-free propaganda" and limiting access to abortions. Read more. US-China trade tensions appear to cool before upcoming Trump-Xi meeting U.S.-China trade tensions appeared to cool Sunday before an upcoming meeting between President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping, with each side saying a deal was nearing between the world's two largest economies. Any agreement would be a relief to international markets even if it does not address underlying issues involving manufacturing imbalances and access to state-of-the-art computer chips. Read more. ADVERTISEMENT IN OTHER NEWS Visitors walk in the lobby of the Louvre museum in Paris on Wednesday. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus) READ Louvre heist: Suspects arrested over the theft of crown jewels from Paris' Louvre museum Mideast: Hamas expands search for hostages' bodies in Gaza as Egypt joins effort US-Venezuela: Venezuela's Maduro says the US is fabricating a war and seeks to revoke citizenship of opponent Redistricting: Trump's redistricting push hits roadblocks in Indiana and Kansas as Republican lawmakers resist Lincoln University: Shooting at a historically Black university's homecoming fest in Pennsylvania kills 1 and wounds 6 Tropical weather: Melissa strengthens into a Category 4 hurricane, threatening catastrophic flooding in Jamaica, Haiti Obit: June Lockhart, beloved mother figure from 'Lassie' and 'Lost In Space,' dies at 100 Rave rumors: Rome's Colosseum could host concerts under new director, but no raves Nature as medicine: More health care providers are issuing formal prescriptions to get outside Today in History: In 1881, four lawmen, including Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday, exchanged gunfire with five outlaws at the 'Shootout at the O.K. Corral' WATCH Signature moves: Trump dances as performers welcome him on arrival in Malaysia White House: Reporter describes shock at witnessing East Wing's demolition Tourist destination: Tourists flock to Louvre window used in jewel heist 15th birthday at 70: Grandmothers in Colombia get the quinceañera they never had Please let us know what you think of this newsletter. You can sign up for more and invite a friend here. For news in real time visit APNews.com. - Sallee Ann Please let us know what you think of this newsletter. You can sign up for more and invite a friend here. For news in real time visit APNews.com. - Sallee Ann Manage preferences | Privacy policy | Unsubscribe   *Advertisers have no control over editorial decisions or content. If you're interested in advertising, contact us here. ADVERTISEMENT