The U.S. government is on the brink of a shutdown after Senate Democrats rejected a Republican funding bill, demanding an extension of Affordable Care Act subsidies and a reversal of Medicaid cuts. The White House has instructed federal agencies to prepare contingency plans, including possible layoffs. If the shutdown takes effect, hundreds of thousands of workers could go without pay, FAA flight operations may be disrupted, FDA inspections could pause, and SNAP funding may eventually run out. Social Security and FEMA services will continue. Federal firefighters, already understaffed during peak wildfire season, warn they could be forced to work without pay, heightening risks to communities across California and beyond. Lawmakers have until midnight Eastern to reach a deal.

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