Federal Government Shutdown Looms Amid High-Stakes Pfizer Pricing Deal: What You Need to Know

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Top Headlines Today

The federal government has largely ceased operations after the Senate failed to agree on two rival funding proposals. The previous shutdown, which spanned 35 days and holds the record as the longest in U.S. history, took place from December 2018 through January 2019. The Trump administration has utilized government websites and agency-wide emails to blame Democrats for the impasse. However, some ethics authorities warn that this tactic might breach the Hatch Act, which prohibits political activities within government functions.

• 🎧 Earlier this year, Senate Democrats collaborated with Republicans to maintain government funding, a move that sparked criticism, reports NPR’s Claudia Grisales on Up First. Since then, Democrats’ limited sway in Washington has become apparent as President Trump and the GOP enacted a sweeping partisan spending and tax package. Currently, Democrats are pushing to extend Affordable Care Act subsidies set to expire this year. Grisales notes that the Senate will revisit the vote, and with some Democrats crossing party lines Tuesday night to side with Republicans, the GOP may be aiming to capitalize on this momentum.
• 🎧 Many federal employees will face delayed paychecks during the shutdown, explains NPR’s Andrea Hsu. In 2019, legislation was passed mandating back pay for federal workers after shutdowns conclude. Nevertheless, the White House has threatened to terminate numerous federal staff during this shutdown. Recently, two unions representing federal workers filed a lawsuit, contending that the administration’s threats of mass layoffs during a shutdown constitute an unlawful abuse of authority. The unions argue these threats are intended to punish employees and coerce Democrats in Congress to relent.
• ➡️ A recent NPR/PBS News/Marist poll reveals that Republicans are more likely to be blamed than Democrats for the government shutdown, though a considerable portion of respondents assign equal responsibility to both parties.
• ➡️ Historical patterns show that during shutdowns, major cultural venues such as Smithsonian museums typically close their doors. Here’s what past shutdowns have taught us.

Yesterday, President Trump informed senior military leaders that the U.S. armed forces would be deployed against what he termed the “enemy within,” referring to Democratic-led cities he claims suffer from elevated crime rates. At a meeting in Quantico, Virginia, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stressed to generals that the military’s core mission remains “war fighting.” Hegseth also discussed raising physical fitness standards for combat roles, advocating for all personnel to meet the highest male fitness benchmarks.

• 🎧 A Marine officer experienced in designing fitness tests estimated that enforcing the highest male fitness standard could result in 15 to 20 percent of women being unable to qualify for combat positions. Hegseth believes the military has been too lenient overall and wants drill instructors to adopt a tougher approach with recruits, NPR’s Tom Bowman reports. The president also mentioned to Hegseth that he should consider using high-crime urban areas as training environments for the military.

The president also announced a new agreement with Pfizer to offer its medications directly to consumers at reduced prices through a government-run website. Trump indicated that similar arrangements with other pharmaceutical companies are forthcoming.

Relationship Insights

An interracial couple is unpacking groceries. The white partner asks his South Asian significant other, “You want your mom to stay with us for how long?”
Anika Orrock

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Anika Orrock

For interracial couples to thrive, it’s crucial to engage in honest conversations about racial and cultural differences. Nina Sharma, author of The Way You Make Me Feel: Love in Black and Brown, emphasizes that curiosity and intentional communication form the foundation of a healthy relationship. This involves sharing personal cultural experiences and asking thoughtful questions. Below are key discussion points to navigate some of the more challenging aspects of interracial partnerships.

• 💞 Address your cultural differences early on; avoiding these talks can lead to misunderstandings later. Topics might include teaching your partner your native language or discussing moments when they felt marginalized due to their skin color.
• 💞 Explore how you both envision blending your traditions and creating shared experiences that foster mutual respect-such as incorporating both Caribbean and South Asian music at family events.
• 💞 When spiritual or cultural practices diverge, approach the conversation with openness. Ask questions to deepen understanding and collaborate on solutions that honor both backgrounds without requiring anyone to forsake their heritage.

For further advice on nurturing interracial relationships, listen to this episode of NPR’s Life Kit. Subscribe to the Life Kit newsletter for expert tips on love, finances, relationships, and more.

Photo Feature

A towering cake showcased at the Cake Picnic event in Santa Monica.
Makenna Sievertson/LAist

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Makenna Sievertson/LAist

Cake Picnic is a traveling festival dedicated entirely to desserts. It has made stops in cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York, and London, with many more planned. The concept originated about a year ago when passionate baker Elisa Sunga organized a small gathering to unite friends and dessert enthusiasts for a day of indulging in cakes. Initially expecting around 15 attendees, the event quickly gained traction after an Instagram post, attracting hundreds of RSVPs. The only rule? No cake, no entry. Even if you don’t bring a sweet treat, you can still enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of this sold-out event in Santa Monica. Get inspired by these snapshots from the festival. (via LAist)

Three Things to Know Before You Head Out

Chunk, a 32-year-old bear crowned the 2025 Fat Bear Week champion. Despite a broken jaw, he feasted on sockeye salmon and gained hundreds of pounds this summer.
Christine Loberg/National Park Service

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Christine Loberg/National Park Service

1. Chunk, tipping the scales at over 1,200 pounds, has been named the 2025 Fat Bear Week winner. His healing but fractured jaw didn’t stop him from gorging on sockeye salmon and packing on significant weight this summer. (via Alaska Public Radio)
2. Check your refrigerator: health officials advise discarding certain pre-cooked pasta products sold at Trader Joe’s and Walmart due to possible listeria contamination.
3. Daniel Ek, co-founder of Spotify, announced he will step down as CEO in January but will remain with the company in a new capacity.

This newsletter was edited by Yvonne Dennis.