While you were sleeping, the federal government shut down.

That's where we're starting The Seven from the Washington Post.

I'm Hannah Jewell.

It's Wednesday, October 1st.

Let's get you caught up with today's seven stories.

Last night, lawmakers failed to reach a deal to continue funding the government.

Senate Democrats blocked a temporary funding measure that would have kicked the can down the road,

and the government shut down just after midnight.

That means nearly 750,000 federal workers are furloughed.

Many more are working without pay indefinitely. President Trump has warned that he'll use the shutdown

to fire federal employees, reshape the government, and consolidate more power under the presidency.

He foreshadowed his plans in the Oval Office yesterday, before the shutdown took effect.

We don't want it to shut down because we have the greatest period of time ever.

I told you, we have $17 trillion being invested.

So the last person that wants to shut down is us now. With that being

said, we can do things during the shutdown that are irreversible, that are bad for them and

irreversible by them, like cutting vast numbers of people out, cutting things that they like,

cutting programs that they like. So other than that, what does this shutdown mean for you, a humble citizen, resident, or fan of the

United States? Well, many federal offices, services, and national parks that have gates will be

closed. But mail will still be delivered, and social security checks will be sent out. That's because those

services are not funded through annual laws passed by Congress. You can find a full list of the

impacts at the link in our newsletter today. Find that in our show notes. President Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Heggseth lectured military leaders.

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