A group of Senate Democrats holds the key to ending the current government shutdown. Republicans need seven Democrats to vote for their plan to fund the government. So far, only a few Democrats have supported the GOP plan.
Key Facts
The government shutdown is the first since 2019.
Republicans require seven Democrats in the Senate to support their funding proposal.
Senators Fetterman, Cortez Masto, and King voted with Republicans on a GOP spending proposal.
Senator Maggie Hassan has previously supported GOP-led government funding bills.
Senator Jeanne Shaheen advocates for a bipartisan deal on healthcare and is retiring next year.
Senator Gary Peters is open to supporting the funding bill, also retiring next year.
Senator Dick Durbin has previously broken a Democratic filibuster but faces leadership pressure not to support the GOP.
Senators Ossoff, Gillibrand, and Schatz are hesitant or against the Republican plan, with various political pressures influencing their decisions.
A judge has stopped the Trump administration from taking $34 million in anti-terrorism money meant for New York's transportation system. The decision came after New York's Attorney General sued, claiming the funds were cut because of New York's sanctuary city policies.
Key Facts
A U.S. District Court judge issued an order blocking the fund cut.
The funding in question is for New York City's transportation system's protection against terrorism.
New York Attorney General Letitia James filed a lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security.
The lawsuit claims the funds were being cut due to New York's sanctuary city status.
Judge Lewis A. Kaplan agreed New York could likely prove funds were diverted as punishment.
The grant program for the funds was originally based on terrorism risk assessments.
The judge noted past terrorist attacks in New York City to highlight its high risk.
COVID-19 cases are rising in several U.S. states due to a new variant called Stratus, identified earlier this year. This variant, similar to the Nimbus strain, is highly infectious and is causing concern among health officials.
Key Facts
The Stratus variant, an XFG strain, was first found in Southeast Asia and has now spread to 38 countries.
COVID-19 cases are increasing in nine U.S. states: New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Vermont, Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota.
As of mid-September, the XFG variant is the main strain in the U.S.
Stratus is known for causing severe sore throats and is highly infectious.
Symptoms include fatigue, fever, dry cough, shortness of breath, chest tightness, headaches, stomach issues, brain fog, and loss of smell or taste.
Those with weak immune systems and the unvaccinated are at higher risk for severe illness.
Current vaccines provide limited and shorter protection, requiring updates for new strains.
New vaccines in development aim to offer better, longer-lasting immune protection.
The U.S. Supreme Court has decided that Lisa Cook can keep her position as a Federal Reserve governor for now. This decision goes against President Donald Trump's attempt to remove her over mortgage fraud claims, which Cook denies. The Supreme Court will hear more about this case in January.
Key Facts
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled Lisa Cook can stay as a Federal Reserve governor for now.
President Trump wanted to remove her due to mortgage fraud allegations.
Cook says her firing attempts are due to her views on Federal Reserve policies.
A federal judge placed a hold on her firing during legal processes, supported by the Supreme Court.
Cook, appointed by President Biden, continues to be part of the board setting interest rates.
Presidents can only remove a Fed governor "for cause," but this term is not clearly defined.
Trump has been critical of the Federal Reserve for not lowering interest rates to his satisfaction.
The Federal Reserve recently cut interest rates, citing job market concerns.
Jane Fonda has urged people to use "creative nonviolent noncooperation" to protect free speech. This means she is asking people to find peaceful ways to express their disagreement or protest.
Key Facts
Jane Fonda is advocating for nonviolent methods to defend free speech.
She describes these methods as "creative nonviolent noncooperation."
This term suggests peaceful protesting or disagreeing without violence.
The announcement relates to protecting the right to say or express what you think.
Jane Fonda is a well-known activist and public figure.
The context of her statement is not specified in the article.
The U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to hear arguments about President Donald Trump's attempt to remove Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook from her position. For now, Cook will remain in her role as the court review continues. The court plans to hear the case in January.
Key Facts
The Supreme Court announced it will hear a case about Trump's effort to fire Fed Governor Lisa Cook.
This is the first time a president has tried to remove a Federal Reserve official, challenging the central bank's independence.
Cook was appointed by former President Joe Biden and accused of mortgage fraud by Trump, which she denies.
A lower court judge ruled that the allegations likely do not meet the criteria for dismissal under the Federal Reserve Act.
The term "for cause" removal is not clearly defined in the Federal Reserve Act, making this an unprecedented legal test.
The lower court blocked Trump's plan to remove Cook, and the Supreme Court did not change this decision while the case is ongoing.
Trump's administration argues that the president has the discretion to remove Cook due to her alleged actions before her appointment.
Cook's lawyers argue that removing her would compromise the Federal Reserve's independence and affect financial markets.
The U.S. government shutdown has begun, and people are noticing its effects. On the first day, different services and operations are either running or not.
Key Facts
The U.S. government has officially shut down.
People across the United States are experiencing the shutdown's impact.
Some government services are still functioning while others have stopped.
The report comes from an audio segment on "All Things Considered."
Air Traffic Controllers played an important role in ending the government shutdown in 2019. With another possible shutdown, they might have a similar influence this year.
Key Facts
Air Traffic Controllers were influential in ending the 2019 government shutdown.
A shortage of controllers contributed to the resolution of that shutdown.
The U.S. government faces the possibility of another shutdown soon.
Air traffic controllers could again have power in this situation.
The issue relates to the functioning of the national air traffic system.
Some federal government agencies have displayed messages blaming Democrats for a government shutdown. The Republicans, who control the White House and Congress, are using official government websites to share their views, which some argue is against the rules. Democrats, in response, are blaming Republicans for the shutdown, pointing to disagreements over issues like healthcare funding.
Key Facts
Government agencies like the Department of Housing and Urban Development posted messages blaming Democrats for shutting down the government.
The White House website streamed a loop of Democrats criticizing shutdowns with dramatic music playing.
The Justice Department's website had a banner blaming Democrats for the shutdown.
An email to federal agencies accused Senate Democrats of blocking a funding resolution due to unrelated policy demands.
Public Citizen, an advocacy group, claimed that using government sites for partisan messages might violate the Hatch Act.
About 750,000 federal workers could be furloughed each day due to the shutdown.
Democrats are concerned about the potential expiration of Affordable Care Act tax credits if the shutdown isn't resolved.
The FBI decided to end its partnership with the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) because of the former FBI Director James Comey's past connection with the group. Current FBI Director Kash Patel announced this change and criticized the ADL for being involved in activities like spying on Americans. The decision follows Comey's recent legal troubles.
Key Facts
The FBI has ended its relationship with the ADL.
This decision is linked to former FBI Director James Comey's involvement with the ADL.
FBI Director Kash Patel criticized the ADL for allegedly spying on Americans.
Patel emphasized that the FBI would not partner with groups it sees as politically biased.
James Comey has been indicted on two felony charges related to his past Senate testimony.
The ADL aims to fight hate and provides anti-bias resources.
Newsweek has sought comments from both the FBI and ADL.
Texas is experiencing a flash drought, particularly in Austin, where September was the driest since 2008. The U.S. Drought Monitor reports that about 11% of Texas is facing severe drought conditions.
Key Facts
Austin had its driest September since 2008, with only 0.08 inches of rain.
Flash droughts happen quickly due to changes in weather like low rain and high temperatures.
Travis County, where Austin is located, is mostly experiencing moderate to severe drought conditions.
The U.S. Drought Monitor shows worsening conditions compared to the previous week.
The National Weather Service suggests a chance of more rain in early October.
Flash droughts can hurt agriculture and ecosystems if not detected early.
During the government shutdown, access to important data from the U.S. Census Bureau and other agencies is limited. This affects how businesses and policymakers make decisions and understand key issues. The website for U.S. Census data is not updating, and other data reports may be delayed if the shutdown continues.
Key Facts
The government shutdown is limiting access to data.census.gov, a site for U.S. Census Bureau information.
The website states it won't update until federal funding is restored.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics site also stopped updating due to the shutdown.
President Trump previously removed the head of the Bureau of Labor Statistics, affecting trust in data accuracy.
Some data collection efforts, like an annual food security report, have ended.
If the shutdown continues, key reports like the monthly jobs report may not be released on time.
The delay of the Consumer Price Index report could affect Social Security check calculations.
The article discusses why government shutdowns occur in the United States, where different branches of government may be controlled by different political parties. This scenario makes shutdowns more likely when parties use them as bargaining tools during budget disagreements. The concept of government shutdowns is uncommon in other countries due to differences in their government systems.
Key Facts
The US government has experienced 11 shutdowns since 1980.
Government shutdowns in the US result from a strict interpretation of the Anti-Deficiency Act, which prohibits spending without an approved budget.
Other countries, like those with parliamentary systems, avoid shutdowns because the executive and legislature are usually controlled by the same party, preventing budget deadlocks.
The longest US government shutdown lasted 35 days, from December 2018 to January 2019.
During shutdowns, essential services like social security payments continue, but hundreds of thousands of federal workers go unpaid.
Shutdowns impact economic growth, as shown during the 2018-2019 shutdown when GDP growth reduced.
In Canada and other countries, budget disagreements typically trigger new elections rather than government shutdowns.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) confirmed that Social Security and Supplemental Security Income payments will continue during the government shutdown. However, certain services and offices will have limited operations due to reduced staffing. Federal workers may experience delayed pay, and other government services could slow down until Congress agrees on funds.
Key Facts
Social Security and SSI payments will not be affected by the shutdown.
Some SSA services, like benefit verification and earnings record updates, will be paused.
SSA offices remain open, but staff reductions may lead to longer service waits.
A government shutdown occurs when Congress cannot agree on a funding bill.
This shutdown is the first since a 35-day lapse in 2018-19.
Federal employees face pay delays and might work unpaid until a resolution.
Key inflation data release for calculating Social Security adjustments could be delayed.
SSA will post service updates on social media once the shutdown ends.
Julie Devaney Hogan shares her experience of living with stage 4 terminal cancer as a mother of three. Despite an initial frightening prognosis, recent scans showed some improvement, allowing her more time, yet the reality of her condition remains. She discusses the emotional challenges of preparing her family for a future without her.
Key Facts
Julie Devaney Hogan has stage 4 terminal breast cancer that has spread to her brain.
Her first prognosis was very serious, with only weeks to live.
Recent medical scans showed improvements, providing a bit more time.
She is focused on making memories with her family during this time.
Hogan is coming to terms with the gradual process of her illness, which she calls "the fade."
Her family is adjusting to this reality, and she acknowledges they will continue life without her.
Officials in Colorado are reviewing the death of journalist Hunter S. Thompson, which was ruled a suicide in 2005. Thompson, known for his book "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas," died at age 67 at his home in Colorado. The review is being done at the request of his widow, but no new evidence has prompted the re-examination.
Key Facts
Hunter S. Thompson's death is being reviewed 20 years after it was ruled a suicide.
He died in February 2005 at his home in Woody Creek, Colorado.
The Colorado Bureau of Investigation is leading the review but not because of new evidence.
The review aims to provide a clear and honest evaluation for Thompson's family and the public.
Thompson was a well-known writer, famous for "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas."
He died from a self-inflicted gunshot while on the phone with his wife.
His son found his body in the kitchen.
Initial investigations found no signs of foul play.
The federal government shut down due to a disagreement between Republicans and Democrats over the budget. Democrats may face challenges in public opinion as a result, but their leaders hope to build trust with their base by standing firm. The shutdown gives President Trump significant control over which government functions continue.
Key Facts
The government shut down because of a budget dispute between Republicans and Democrats.
Democrats may face issues in public perception, as polls indicate many might blame them or both parties equally for the shutdown.
President Trump gains increased control over deciding which government functions continue during the shutdown.
Democratic leaders believe maintaining a firm stance is necessary to rebuild trust with their supporters.
Senate Leader Chuck Schumer faces criticism and hopes to gain support by showing determination in the budget fight.
President Trump is using the shutdown as an opportunity to shift focus away from other issues like the economy and his past controversies.
A government shutdown in the United States happens when Congress does not agree on the budget, causing some federal operations to close. Since 1976, the U.S. government has experienced 10 shutdowns due to funding gaps. The longest shutdown lasted 35 days from December 2018 to January 2019.
Key Facts
A government shutdown means some federal services stop working because there is no budget agreement.
Shutdowns occur when Congress misses the deadline to pass a budget or temporary funding bill.
Before 1980, funding gaps did not result in shutdowns as agencies continued to operate.
Since 1982, legal decisions have led to more frequent shutdowns when funding gaps occur.
The U.S. government has had 10 shutdowns since 1976.
The longest shutdown was 35 days from December 2018 to January 2019.
Essential services like national security and air traffic control continue during shutdowns, but other services and workers are affected.
Shutdowns typically resolve with a continuing resolution, a temporary funding measure while a budget is negotiated.
A partial collapse occurred at an apartment building in the Bronx, New York. The building is in the Mott Haven neighborhood, and no injuries have been reported. The fire department considers the situation a major emergency.
Key Facts
An apartment building in the Bronx experienced a partial collapse.
The building is located in the Mott Haven neighborhood.
Aerial footage shows a large vertical scar on the building's side and rubble on the ground.
No injuries have been reported at this time.
The fire department has labeled it a "major emergency."
