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

White House demolition and construction

In other news

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