Smithsonian museums and the National Zoo closed Sunday due to the government shutdown, with their websites urging visitors to check back for updates on when they'll reopen.
The big picture: All of the Smithsonian's institutions, including its research centers, 21 museums and the National Zoo, are affected by the temporary closure. The zoo emphasized on its site that its beloved pandas and other animals "will continue to be fed and cared for."
The Trump administration is asking the public to trust its math on what it promised would be the largest mass deportation campaign in U.S. history.
Why it matters: The Department of Homeland Security has used a highly unorthodox approach to reach its stunning figure of 2 million undocumented immigrants "removed or self-deported" since Inauguration Day.
When President Trump announced a new deal Friday to lower prescription drug costs, it was the clearest sign yet that he'd paused his commerce secretary's push to slap 100% tariffs on pharmaceuticals that aren't manufactured in the U.S.
Why it matters: Prescription drug policy and tariffs are big priorities of Trump's administration. But after the two issues collided in a conflicting series of White House messages recently, Trump set aside the tariffs idea, which could have made drugs more expensive for many Americans.
Vice President JD Vance defended the Department of Justice's recent indictment decisions, pushing back against questioning that President Trump is pressuring the federal agency to prosecute his political enemies.
The big picture: Trump ignited speculation last month after a Truth Social post urged Attorney General Pam Bondi to take action against New York Attorney General Letitia James, former FBI Director James Comey and Sen. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.).
James and Comey have both since been indicted on federal charges, raising concerns among some Democrats that they could be next.
Since they entered California politics over 20 years ago, Kamala Harris and Gavin Newsom have ducked a one-on-one showdown. Now the Democratic rivals are barreling toward what could be a contest on the biggest stage: the 2028 race for the White House.
It could be a Hollywood script: The former vice president, now touting a new book, is seeking redemption after falling to Donald Trump last year.
The California governor, a rising star, has burst onto the national stage this year as a leading voice in the resistance to Trump.
Why it matters: Their public niceties toward each other cloud a longtime, behind-the-scenes tension that's beginning to surface as both weigh runs for president.
President Trump has issued the Defense secretary a directive to find funding to pay U.S. troops, given dollars earmarked to do so are set to run out on Wednesday due to the government shutdown.
President Trump's second "routine yearly checkup" on Friday determined that he is in "exceptional health."
The big picture: Trump has downplayed concerns about his age and health since returning to the White House. He was diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency in July after experiencing mild swelling in his lower legs.
Police and sheriff's departments across America are using AI-powered drones for pursuits, investigations and emergencies — even delivering Narcan to stop overdose deaths.
Why it matters: Local law enforcement agencies are facing chronic staffing shortages amid pressures to reduce violent crime. AI-powered drones can do some police work — but using them raises new questions about surveillance and privacy.
Everything's an economic indicator these days — from offbeat numbers on restaurant reservations and visits to the Statue of Liberty to more standard info on job listings.
Why it matters: Companies and investors are scrambling for alternatives to the data put out by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, which halted almost all releases in the government shutdown.
