President Trump is pressuring the Department of Justice to pursue his political enemies, like former FBI director James Comey. Legal scholar Barbara McQuade explains how this damages the rule of law.

Essential workers in the FBI, CIA, air traffic control and military remain on the job, though they will not get paid until the government reopens.

Air traffic controllers, Transportation Security Administration (TSA) workers, and baggage screeners are all considered "essential" workers. But a shutdown that drags on could lead to cancellations and delays.

People who live in areas affected by natural disasters say the federal government is too slow to respond. One reason for that delay is a directive from Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem requiring her office to individually review any expense over $100,000.

On Wednesday, in a brief order, the Supreme Court allowed Federal Reserve Board governor Lisa Cook to keep her job, despite President Trump's efforts to fire her.

President Trump says it may present an opportunity to lay off federal workers and cut programs.

The Committee for the First Amendment first launched in the 1940s, when the House Un-American Activities Committee accused Hollywood actors, directors and writers of being communists or sympathizers.

The federal government has shut down for the first time since 2019. Mass layoffs have been threatened. And, President Trump announced a pricing deal with Pfizer.

Much of the federal government shut down Wednesday after Congress failed to reach a deal to keep government programs and services running before the midnight deadline.

NPR speaks with Rep. Mike Haridopolos, R-Fla., about the government shutdown.