Whatever optimism there may have been that lawmakers would reach a deal this weekend to end the longest government shutdown on record has faded. The Senate held its first Saturday session since the 39-day shutdown began, but no votes were scheduled. One of the most widespread effects felt by Americans is the pause in benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also known as SNAP, which provides payments to more than 40 million low-income Americans. On Friday night, the Supreme C

As the longest government shutdown in U.S. history continues, air travel is facing major disruptions. Saturday was the second day of reduced flights at 40 airports. The aviation data company Cirium said nearly 4% of flights were canceled on Saturday and about 2.5% were canceled for Sunday. “They're reducing the flights for the primary purpose, and a good purpose, of making the system safe. They're suffering a loss of controllers at the various stations. They're not interchangeable. And to ensure