The government shutdown extends into its third week. The Trump administration demolished the White House East Wing as part of its ballroom project. The U.S. sent an aircraft carrier to Latin America in a major escalation of military buildup in the region. President Donald Trump said he is ending trade talks with Canada over a TV ad. And a new report showed that inflation remains steady, though still relatively high.

Here are the top stories involving the U.S. government this past week.

Shutdown saga

The federal government shutdown has reached 24 days as both sides remain far apart on a deal to pass a funding bill.

This is the second-longest shutdown in U.S . history. Here's how far off it is from the top spot .

More than half a million federal workers missed their first full pa

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