National

Jonathan Derr of Silver Spring, Md., works for the Food and Drug Administration. Last week, he was one of the estimated 800,000 federal workers furloughed because of the partial government shutdown.

A lack of funding to labs is likely to mean an early death for thousands of mice used in scientific and medical research. The loss of specialty mice, many of which have genes that can cause them to develop versions of human diseases, is especially troubling to scientists — and expensive.

Whatever happens to a the global economy, one thing is clear: If the U.S. defaults, people all over the world who have loaned the government money won't get paid on time.

In 2008, Florida announced the largest land sale in the state's history — to buy hundreds of miles of Everglades land owned by U.S. Sugar. But only a small fraction was acquired. Now, environmental groups are lobbying for the deal's revival before a contract giving the state an exclusive option to buy expires.

The partial government shutdown has forced the Pentagon to delay payments to the families of troops killed while serving in the U.S. military. Normally these families would receive a $100,000 payment three days after the death of member of the Armed Forces. More than 20 have died since the shutdown began. A private, non-profit group called the Fisher House Foundation will pay the death benefits during the shutdown.

More than 1 million high school boys play football in the U.S. With a growing body of evidence linking the sport with chronic brain injury, some schools are trying to change how teams play and practice — but they have a long way to go.

Amid the shutdown, House Republicans have adopted a piecemeal strategy, voting to reopen small parts of the government. That's put politicians in surprising positions — with Democrats voting against their favorite programs and Republicans cheering for fully funding programs they usually argue need a trim.

If Congress doesn't raise the debt ceiling, the U.S. Treasury will be unable to pay creditors and the U.S. will be in default. Some argue Treasury could continue making "priority payments" designed to protect the nation's credit rating. Others say that could undermine the confidence in the U.S. to meet its obligations.

Nearly a year's worth of rain was dumped on parts of the state in four days this fall. The downpour from the heavens created a slurry on the mountainsides that scrubbed away soil, trees, boulders and buildings. Scientists say the flooding may have been a once-in-a-thousand-years event.

Native American tribes are giving casinos a makeover, hoping added amenities like spas, golf courses and luxury hotels will attract visitors. Still, these ventures make 80 to 90 percent of their revenue from gambling, and experts say getting people on the gaming floor is key.