As the U.S. government moves closer to a shutdown, we hear what that means for the economy, federal workers and families across the country.
Feb 2026
A surprise Kennedy Center makeover
In his second term, President Donald Trump has gone on a mission to reinvent the Kennedy Center, the beloved performing arts venue in Washington, D.C.Trump promised to overhaul the center’s programming. He installed loyalists on the board who made him chairman. In December, Trump ... Show More
18m 40s
Feb 2026
A teddy bear, an ice skate: What remains from last year's deadly D.C. plane crash
In late January of last year, an American Eagle flight and a U.S. Army helicopter collided above the Potomac River, killing everyone aboard both aircraft. It was the deadliest flight disaster in the U.S. in decades.A year later, families and first responders are reflecting on the ... Show More
15m 19s
Nov 2023
Once again, a shutdown looms
Congress is facing yet another government shutdown deadline at the end of this week. If a deal isn’t reached by Friday at midnight, hundreds of thousands of federal workers will stop getting paid, which may have broader economic ramifications. In this episode, we look at what mig ... Show More
29m 40s
May 2023
What a Government Shutdown Means for Your Money
Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen says that the U.S. government could default on its loans as early as June 1st, if an agreement on the debt ceiling isn't reached in Congress. If the debt ceiling isn't raised, we'd likely face a government shutdown. Today, Nicole explains what a go ... Show More
11m 17s
Sep 2023
Why the Government is About to Shut Down
<p>A showdown between House Republicans and their leader, Speaker Kevin McCarthy, is heading toward a government shutdown.</p><p>Carl Hulse, chief Washington correspondent for The Times, explains the causes and consequences of the looming crisis.</p><p>Guest: <a href="https://www ... Show More
25m 3s
Oct 2023
The Problem With a $2 Trillion Deficit
<p>Over a year, the federal deficit — the gap between what the U.S. government spends and what it earns — has doubled, to nearly $2 trillion.</p><p>That figure seems to validate the worries of congressional Republicans about government spending, which have been at the center of t ... Show More
25m 14s