Shutdown appears inevitable without last ditch intervention The government shuts down at midnight and the two parties remain far apart on a solution to prevent it. Barbara Sprunt
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
Washington Discover Pass price going up $15 on Oct. 1 The price to visit state parks in Washington will rise on Oct. 1, with a $15 hike to the annual cost of a Discover Pass. Emily Fitzgerald/Washington State Standard
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
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
Germany thrived in the first China Shock. But the next one could prove catastrophic. The export-led industrial model that Germany has pursued for decades is now at a crossroads. Greg Rosalsky
Republicans and Democrats are at a standstill as government barrels toward shut down The government will shut down at midnight tonight if Congress can't reach a deal. But Republicans and Democrats are at a standstill, each refusing to give in to the other's demands. Deirdre Walsh
Sen. Elizabeth Warren talks about the potential for a government shutdown Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., talks about the potential government shutdown, what congressional Democrats are demanding and whether she thinks President Trump will carry out his layoff threat. Michel Martin
South Dakota Rep. Dusty Johnson talks about the possibility of a government shutdown NPR speaks with Rep. Dusty Johnson, R-S.D., about the impasse over the budget and the possibility of a government shutdown Wednesday. A Martínez