News Archive - September 30, 2013

Shutdown Begins After Congress Fails In Spending Compromise

Congress went down to the wire Monday night but still failed to compromise on a spending bill, resulting in a partial government shutdown.

LISTEN: The Shutdown Debate In Two House Speeches

As Congress raced toward avoiding a shut down of the government, it was John Boehner vs. Steny Hoyer on the House floor. The Republican speaker and the Democratic whip gave two incendiary speeches, as the shutdown seem inevitable.

What Is Open And What Is Closed During The Government Shutdown?

The federal government is closed, but that doesn't mean that every government service you rely on will be unavailable. Here's what's open and what's closed.

Countdown To Shutdown: A Closure Appears Inevitable

Only hours before a partial shutdown of the federal government would take effect, House Republicans still hadn't arrived at a temporary spending bill that Senate Democrats were willing to approve to keep government workers on the job.

The Shutdown: A Guide To What Would And Wouldn't Close

How would government agencies and services be affected if lawmakers don't reach a budget deal by midnight? We've put together a quick breakdown.

Shenandoah National Park Plans Controlled Burn

Access to Big Meadows at Shenandoah National Park will be restricted while park officials conduct a controlled burn.

National Zoo's Panda Cam To Go Dark During Government Shutdown

Not only will the National Zoo be physically inaccessible during a government shutdown, but it's cutest animals will not be viewable on popular web cameras.

A Doctor's 9 Predictions About The 'Obamacare Era'

The traditional doctor-patient relationship in which a single doctor gets to know you over years will become a luxury. Those who want a personal physician will have to pay extra for that service. Doctors who chafe at working for big organizations will opt out and charge patients retainer fees.

Space's Wild: 5 Cool Happenings Along The Final Frontier

Space organizations are taking potential leaps for mankind: SpaceX tries to reuse rocket parts, Orbital Sciences docks a craft to the International Space Station, and NASA is exploring the uses of 3-D printing. Spoiler: One of those uses is pizza.

D.C. Sales Tax Will Go Down On Tuesday

Starting on Oct. 1, D.C.'s sales tax will drop from six to 5.75 percent, the lowest in the region.

Who's Likely To Lose The Shutdown 'Blame Game'?

Surveys conducted in the past week or so by Pew, CNN and Gallup show that more Americans think a shutdown would be the fault of Republicans rather than the president.

The Looming Shutdown: Senate Rejects Second House Measure

Moving the country closer to a shutdown, the Senate rejected a House bill that funded the government but delayed a key part of Obamacare. The ball is now in the House's court.

How A Tax On Medical Devices United Political Rivals

About $29 billion in funding for the expansion of health coverage under the Affordable Care Act is expected to come from a tax on devices. Hip implants, MRI scanners and catheters to unclog heart arteries are all affected. Toothbrushes, contact lenses, hearing aids and other consumer products are exempt.

Tracing The Story Of 'Lynch Mob'

Last week, the CEO of AIG invoked the phrase "lynch mob" to compare the vitriolic reaction his company received about its employees' 2009 bonuses. Lynching was so common that a writer even referred to it being as "American as apple pie."

D.C. Government To Remain Open During Federal Shutdown

D.C. will pay its 32,000 employees out of a reserve fund, sparing residents from a local government shutdown.

Metro To Remain Open During Government Shutdown

Metro opens doors, even during a federal goverment shutdown.

Diesel Rebate Fraud: Truck-Stop Company Says It Is Repaying Millions

Months after federal agents raided its Tennessee offices, Pilot Flying J's CEO says it is working to pay companies who were cheated. Seven members of the truck-stop company's sales staff have pleaded guilty to fraud charges.

Sandwich Monday: McDonald's Mighty Wings

For this week's Sandwich Monday, we try McDonald's new "Mighty Wings," which are basically McNuggets with a bone in them. And we choose not to think about the strange machine that put the bone there.

Claim: Leaks About Al-Qaida Do More 'Damage' Than Snowden's

In August, there were reports that the terrorist network was planning new attacks. Since then, officials tell The New York Times, there's been a sharp drop in the number of messages being passed between al-Qaida operatives. They think the leaks lead terrorists to go quiet.

Man Accused Of Siphoning Millions From Fake Veterans' Charity

The defendant, who is an ex-military intelligence officer, claims it was all cover for a secret CIA operation.

Obama And Netanyahu Discuss Iran, Palestinians At White House

Before leaving for the U.S. on Sunday, the Israeli leader promised to warn officials in Washington that they should maintain pressure on Iran to cease its nuclear program.

L.C. Greenwood, Part Of Pittsburgh's 'Steel Curtain,' Dies

During the Steelers' glory years in the '70s when the team won four NFL Super Bowls, Greenwood teamed with "Mean" Joe Greene, Ernie Holmes and Dwight White on a much-feared defensive line. Greene is now the sole living member of that famous foursome.

National Aquarium Closes Washington Location On Monday

An aquarium that opened its doors to visitors in 1885 is closing its doors in the District.

No Assembly Required: IKEA To Sell Solar Panels In U.K.

The Swedish housewares retailer, which is already using renewable energy to power many of its own stores, says it wants to tap into a growing demand for solar.

Canada To Launch Billion-Dollar Marijuana Free Market This Week

The country wants to replace home and small-scale production with quality-controlled marijuana produced by large growers. Officials are tapping in to what they say will be a $1.3 billion medical marijuana market serving as many as 450,000 Canadians.

Two Maryland Casinos Fined For Instances Of Underage Gambling

Maryland Live! Casino and Hollywood Casino are paying a combined $30,000 in fines for incidents in which people under the age of 21 were caught gambling.

Baseball's Playoffs Start And So Does A-Rod's Suspension Appeal

The regular season ended with a dramatic no-hitter and a tie that will force an elimination game. But the season's finish also means that Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez can start his formal appeal of a 211-game suspension.

Vaccine Refusals Fueled California's Whooping Cough Epidemic

The whooping cough vaccine isn't perfect, but public health officials suspected that something else contributed to the 2010 pertussis outbreak in California. A study finds that neighborhoods where more parents filed for vaccination exemptions for their children had higher rates of infection.

Multiple Car Bombs Wreak Havoc In Baghdad, Killing Dozens

Most of the explosions struck areas with large Shiite populations; news agencies report as many as 13 or 14 separate explosions.

Remembering Lee Thornton, Who Broke Barriers In Journalism

The first African-American woman to cover the White House for a major news network, Thornton was also the first black host of NPR's All Things Considered. She died last week at the age of 71.

Popes John Paul II, John XXIII To Become Saints Next April

Pope Francis has selected the Second Sunday of Easter as the date for their canonization. The ceremony at the Vatican is expected to draw large crowds, especially from John Paul II's native Poland.

Are You Ready For Some Shutdown? Here's Monday's Schedule

The Democratic-led Senate is expected on Monday afternoon to reject the latest plan from the Republican-led House. With a midnight ET deadline looming, it's looking as if a partial government shutdown can't be avoided.