Trump administration uses taxpayer dollars to blame Democrats for government shutdown Federal employees across the government reported seeing similar messages. Experts say the messages may violate ethics laws meant to keep partisan politics out of day-to-day governing. Stephen Fowler
A lawsuit tries to block the Trump administration's efforts to merge personal data A class action lawsuit argues that the administration's efforts to combine databases of personal information on Americans violates privacy laws and the Constitution. Jude Joffe-Block
Here's what a shutdown means for Smithsonian museums, memorials and the zoo History tells us visitors will likely find shuttered doors at major cultural institutions. But they will also find plenty of alternatives. Elizabeth Blair
Pasta meals from Trader Joe's and Walmart may be linked to a deadly listeria outbreak The USDA says the precooked pasta products, sold at Trader Joe's and Walmart, could be connected to a nationwide listeria outbreak that has killed four people and sickened at least 20 others. Rachel Treisman
With 'drug boat' strikes, Trump leans into war on terror tactic against cartels The administration's approach to drug cartels relies — at least in part — on a blueprint for military strikes that mirror those waged during the global war on terrorism after the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks. Ryan Lucas
Poll: Republicans get more of the blame than Democrats for a potential shutdown As a government shutdown becomes more likely, a new NPR/PBS News/Marist poll shows even though President Trump has a low approval rating, just 1 in 4 approve of how Democrats in Congress are doing. Domenico Montanaro
'Like ice melting': Journalists warn press freedom is in decline across Asia China's jailing of citizen journalist Zhang Zhan highlights a deeper press freedom crisis across Asia. Ashish Valentine
Scientists create human eggs in the lab, using skin cells Scientists created the eggs using DNA from adult skin cells, a step that could someday potentially lead to new ways to treat infertility and enable gay couples to have genetically related children. Rob Stein
Second detainee dies after shooting at Dallas ICE facility Miguel Angel Garcia-Hernandez, 32, had been on life support after what authorities called a targeted act of violence toward federal immigration agents. He leaves behind four kids and his wife, pregnant with their fifth. Sergio Martínez-Beltrán
Energy Dept. tells employees not to use words including 'climate change' and 'green' The banned words list applies to all work done at the largest federal funder of clean energy technology. Julia Simon
