Global crude oil prices seemed to be rising inexorably toward $100 a barrel — but then they pulled a U-turn. Meanwhile the oil industry is deeply divided on what the future looks like
Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen is sounding the alarm about the damage a government shutdown could do to the U.S. economy. "It's really reckless and will impose immediate harm," Yellen told NPR.
Don't cancel that camping trip just yet: Utah, Arizona, and Colorado state governments will foot the bill to keep some national parks open — and tourist dollars flowing — during the shutdown.
The Washington, D.C., region is home to about 400,000 federal employees, plus members of the military and government contractors. In a government shutdown, they face no pay and lots of uncertainty.
The last time the government shut down, members of the U.S. Coast Guard lined up at food pantries — while they worked without being paid. The previous government shutdown last 35 days.
Jeff Zients has been getting the White House prepared for the first government shutdown of the Biden administration. Here's what the chief of staff told NPR about it.