What to know on Day 30 of the government shutdown:

Senators expressed muted optimism about bipartisan talks aimed at resolving the government shutdown Wednesday. Senate Majority Leader John Thune said talks among rank-and-file senators have "ticked up significantly," though he reiterated to reporters later that "the conditions we've stated are the same ones."

The limited signs of progress came as the shutdown was poised to grow more painful for Americans, with an upcoming food aid benefits shortfall and additional missed paychecks. Meanwhile, rising health insurance premiums will be visible with the opening of Affordable Care Act insurance markets this weekend, highlighting the Democrats' top issue in the shutdown.

The Senate is expected to leave town for the weekend after votes on

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