Keeping up with America

Government Shutdown Day 1: What’s Open, What’s Closed
What continues (military, mail, air traffic control) and what stalls (data releases, many agency services)—a clear, practical rundown you can use today.

SEC, CFTC Furlough Staff as Watchdogs Go Minimal
IPO approvals and new ETFs hit pause; emergency monitoring remains—less referee on the field as volatility risks rise.

White House Freezes Some Blue-State Funds Amid Standoff
A political hardball move to increase pressure during the shutdown, escalating a fight that’s already bruising agencies and states.

National Parks ‘Generally’ Open—But Expect Closures Like the Liberty Bell
Access varies and services are thin; plan for blocked buildings, limited restrooms, and fewer rangers.

Student Loans and FAFSA During the Shutdown
Payments remain due; civil-rights probes halt; new grants paused as Education furloughs most staff.

Farm Payments Halted; Rural Borrowers Face Delays
Fall harvest meets federal red tape: loan access slows just when cashflow matters most.

AP Live Blog: First-Day Votes Fail, Tempers Flare
Hour-by-hour developments as both sides dig in over health-care subsidies and “clean” funding.

Around the World

U.S. Weighs Deeper Intel Support for Ukraine Strikes in Russia
Kyiv could get help targeting energy infrastructure—another step in a long war with winter approaching.

Deadly Quake in Afghanistan Leaves Tens of Thousands Needing Shelter
Aid groups race the clock as aftershocks compound damage and displacement.

UK Plans Tougher Rules for Refugee Settlement and Family Reunion
Labour government signals a harder line on migration after a summer of small-boat crossings.

Tariff Shockwaves: Europe Accelerates New Trade Deals
EU races to lock in partners from Mercosur to Indonesia as U.S. tariffs reshape supply lines.

Lets Talk Business and Tech

Wall Street Shakes It Off: Health-Care Leads Late Rally
Investors look past data gaps; shutdown complicates the Fed path but not the close.

IPO Momentum at Risk as SEC Goes Skeleton Crew
Deal pipeline slows; crypto-ETF debuts likely delayed.

Nike’s Rebound Builds—But Tariffs Cloud Outlook
A stronger brand story meets policy headwinds.

Richer, Wiser, Happier

What a shutdown actually means for your paycheck, flights, benefits, and markets
For travelers: TSA/controllers work without pay, but 11,000 FAA staff face furloughs; delays likely as it drags. For your wallet: with data paused, avoid knee-jerk trades; focus on allocation and cash buffers. Benefits: Social Security continues; some services slow. Tariff collections and FEMA payments continue.

How to fly smarter if staffing thins
Book morning nonstops, carry-on only, and build layover buffers; crew/controller shortages hit late-day flights first.

Investing when the data goes dark
No jobs report? Set decisions on a schedule; rebalance methodically once releases resume.

Sports and Showbiz Shenanigans

Yankees Edge Red Sox to Force a Decider
Late go-ahead pushes it to Game 3—Bronx nerves, big ratings.

Dodgers Sweep Reds Behind Yamamoto’s Gem
L.A. looks scary early; Cincinnati bows out in two.

NFL’s Hot Streak: Big Audiences from Dublin to Sunday Night
International novelty + primetime drama = rising totals.

Guardians’ Five-Run Eighth Flips Series
Cleveland wakes up the bats and forces Game 3.

Broadway Labor Tension Rises as Talks Heat Up
A strike would be the first in years—productions eye contingency plans.

 Life Hacks to Hack Your Life

A Scientist Who Studies Ultra-Processed Foods Shares What He Eats
Steal his simple swaps to keep convenience without the crash.

Appliance Reliability Guide (Updated Today)
Check brand track records before you buy—or call a repair.

Holiday Gift Guide (Updated Today)
Start early, avoid panic prices, and spot hidden duds.

Shutdown Travel: Plan for Longer Lines
Arrive earlier, go carry-on, pick morning nonstops.

Know What’s Actually Open
Before you head out, verify park/museum status and services.

Student Loan Checklist During the Shutdown
Autopay set? Due dates saved? Keep documentation handy.

FTC Reporting Paused—How to Document Scams
Screenshot texts, note times, contact your bank/carrier first.

IRS Contingency Plan: What It Means for You
Deadlines don’t vanish—file on time and keep receipts.

Walmart to Remove Certain Additives from Store Brands
Cleaner labels are coming; still read ingredients.

Power Reading: One Link to Skim the Playoffs
Bookmark AP’s gamers to sound caught up fast.