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."
A U.S. citizen in Alabama, Leo Garcia Venegas, has filed a lawsuit against immigration authorities after being detained twice during workplace raids. The lawsuit aims to stop workplace raids that target industries with many immigrant workers without proper warrants. Venegas claims these actions are unconstitutional and discriminatory, particularly against those with Latino-sounding names.
Key Facts
Leo Garcia Venegas is a U.S. citizen and construction worker in Alabama.
He was detained twice by immigration agents during workplace raids without a warrant.
The lawsuit was filed in federal court to stop these kinds of workplace raids.
Venegas says he was detained despite showing a valid U.S. ID issued to citizens.
The lawsuit claims immigration agents targeted Latinos during these raids.
The Supreme Court has allowed some strict immigration policies to continue but legal outcomes could change.
Venegas is represented by the Institute for Justice, a public interest law firm.
The Department of Homeland Security did not comment on the case.
Congress stopped a potential government shutdown by passing a spending bill. The U.S. government has faced 21 shutdowns in the past, with the longest one lasting 35 days from late 2018 to early 2019. President Biden signed a temporary funding measure to keep the government running.
Key Facts
The U.S. government avoided a shutdown after Congress passed a spending bill.
The longest U.S. government shutdown lasted 35 days, beginning in December 2018.
There have been 21 government shutdowns in total.
Before 2018, the longest shutdown was 21 days, during President Clinton's time.
President Ronald Reagan's administration saw eight separate shutdowns.
The issue of border wall funding was a key factor in ending the 2018-2019 shutdown.
420,000 federal workers were asked to work without pay in the last shutdown, with 350,000 furloughed without pay.
Many government benefits continue during a shutdown, but new enrollments or payments might face delays.
The immigration detention center known as "Alligator Alcatraz" in the Florida Everglades places detainees in color-coded uniforms and sorts them based on their criminal history or flight risk. The center faces lawsuits over detainees' legal access and living conditions, with claims that the facility, operated by state and private organizations, does not adhere to federal laws for immigration detention. A judge ordered it to cease operations in August, but an appellate court allowed it to continue.
Key Facts
Detainees at "Alligator Alcatraz" wear color-coded uniforms and wristbands.
They are separated based on criminal history and assessed flight risk.
The detention center faces lawsuits over detainee conditions and legal access.
A federal judge ordered the center to cease operations, citing environmental review issues.
An appellate court put the judge's order on hold, allowing continued operations.
President Trump suggested the detention facility could be a model for future centers.
Detainees follow strict rules on dress and hygiene and have limited personal items.
Meals start at 5:30 a.m., and detainees can access a law library for up to five hours a week.
President Donald Trump has sent National Guard troops to Oregon to address unrest at Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) protests. Trump stated the troops are there to restore order and end the chaos.
Key Facts
President Trump announced the deployment of National Guard troops to Oregon.
The troops are responding to protests at ICE, the agency handling immigration enforcement.
Trump described the situation as "lawless mayhem."
The announcement was made on Wednesday through Trump's message on Truth Social.
Trump emphasized that the troops will restore law and order.
This development is part of ongoing tensions and protests related to immigration issues in the U.S.
Former President Donald Trump has frozen $18 billion in federal funding intended for infrastructure projects in New York City. This funding halt impacts two major projects, including a rail tunnel under the Hudson River and the Second Avenue subway extension. The funding freeze coincides with a federal government shutdown and ongoing budget disagreements between Republicans and Democrats.
Key Facts
Trump has stopped $18 billion in federal funding for New York City infrastructure projects.
The funding freeze affects projects like a rail tunnel under the Hudson River and the Second Avenue subway extension.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, both from New York, are involved in the budget dispute with Trump.
The Trump administration claims the funding halt is due to unconstitutional DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) practices.
The federal government shutdown has contributed to delays in reviewing funding decisions.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul criticized the funding freeze, blaming it on political motives rather than DEI issues.
The freeze follows previous threats by Trump to withhold funding from New York to leverage political influence.
Democrats and Republicans are in a disagreement over a bill to keep the federal government funded and end the current partial shutdown. Key Democratic senators are being closely watched as they consider whether to change their votes. The main issues are health care tax credits and Medicaid cuts, which Democrats want to address.
Key Facts
The government shutdown started on Wednesday, affecting many federal workers and services.
Democrats want to extend health care tax credits and reverse Medicaid cuts as part of the funding negotiations.
The House passed a temporary funding bill, but it is stalled in the Senate.
The bill needs 60 votes in the Senate to bypass a procedural step called a filibuster.
Several Democratic senators from swing states and moderates are key to the bill's passage.
The Senate voted on the measure twice, with some Democrats voting differently to seek a compromise.
Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Maggie Hassan are among those being watched for how they will vote.
Senator Shaheen emphasized the importance of extending Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits.
The U.S. is facing a government shutdown due to a disagreement between Republicans and Democrats. Political analyst Eric Ham described the situation as a "game of chicken" that has lost control.
Key Facts
The U.S. government is experiencing a shutdown, meaning some government services are stopped.
The shutdown is happening because Republicans and Democrats cannot agree on a solution.
Political analyst Eric Ham commented on the situation.
Ham described the situation as a "game of chicken," which means two sides are stubbornly refusing to change their stance.
The disagreement centers around budget and funding issues.
A government shutdown can affect various services and government employees planning.
The U.S. government has shut down as of October 2025 due to disagreements in Congress over healthcare spending. This is the first shutdown since 2018, affecting many federal workers and causing potential delays in services, but essential functions like Social Security will continue. Shutdowns have become more frequent in recent decades, with a few lasting several weeks.
Key Facts
The federal government shutdown started in October 2025.
The shutdown occurred due to a disagreement between Senate Republicans and Democrats.
This is the first shutdown since December 2018, which lasted 35 days.
Several hundred thousand federal employees will work without pay during the shutdown.
Essential services like Social Security will continue, but may face delays.
There have been 20 funding gaps since the modern budget process began in 1976.
Long shutdowns are relatively rare but have happened more in recent decades.
Vice President JD Vance criticized Senate Democrats for stopping a Republican proposal meant to keep the government open until November 21. The proposal did not get enough votes to proceed, marking a continued deadlock as the government shutdown persists.
Key Facts
JD Vance is the Vice President.
Senate Democrats blocked a Republican-backed funding bill.
The bill aimed to prevent a government shutdown until November 21.
The vote was 55-45, falling short of the 60 votes needed.
Vance believes some moderate Democrats may change their stance soon.
The government shutdown remains unresolved at this time.
Democrats claim that House Speaker Mike Johnson is slowing down the swearing-in of Adelita Grijalva, the newly elected representative for Arizona’s 7th District. They say this delay is to stop Grijalva from signing a petition that would force a vote on making the Jeffrey Epstein files public.
Key Facts
Adelita Grijalva was elected to fill a congressional seat previously held by her late father, Raul Grijalva.
House Speaker Mike Johnson is accused of delaying Grijalva's swearing-in.
Democrats argue this delay is to prevent a vote on releasing the Epstein files.
The petition for the vote needs one more signature to move forward, which Grijalva could provide.
The petition is backed by both a Republican, Thomas Massie, and a Democrat, Ro Khanna.
It would require the Justice Department to release Epstein-related files within 30 days.
Epstein died in jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges.
Despite the release of some documents, many continue to demand full transparency about Epstein's connections.
A chimney on a New York City apartment building collapsed after an explosion, causing debris to fall but injuring no one. The incident occurred in the Bronx and is under investigation, with officials checking for a possible gas leak. The building, managed by the city's housing authority, is part of an aging infrastructure in need of repair.
Key Facts
A 20-story chimney on an apartment building in the Bronx collapsed following an explosion.
No injuries were reported, despite debris falling on a nearby sidewalk and playground.
Officials are investigating the cause, including the possibility of a gas leak.
The building is part of New York City's public housing authority, NYCHA.
NYCHA manages many old buildings that often require repairs.
Building inspectors are assessing the safety of the building and surrounding area.
Some apartments were evacuated as a safety measure.
NYCHA has faced ongoing issues like lead paint and mold in its properties.
A fundraiser for the family of Thomas Jacob Sanford, who was killed by police after attacking a church in Michigan, has raised nearly $200,000. Donations came from various people, including members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, to support the family during this difficult time. Sanford's family, including his father, expressed deep sorrow over the incident.
Key Facts
The fundraiser was created to help Thomas Jacob Sanford's family after he was involved in a church shooting in Michigan.
Sanford was killed by police during the incident at a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints chapel in Grand Blanc.
The fundraiser has collected almost $200,000 by midday Wednesday.
Donations will assist with the Sanford family's daily needs and medical care for one of Sanford's children.
Many donations came from Mormons across the country, expressing compassion and support.
Sanford's father, Thomas Sanford, apologized to the victims' families and called the situation a "nightmare."
Sanford was a former Marine, and some reports mention his past resentment toward the church.
Attempts were made to contact Sanford's immediate family, but they have not responded.
