The U.S. government entered a partial shutdown today (January 31, 2026) after Congress missed its midnight deadline to approve a $7.8 trillion budget. While essential services continue, national parks and some federal offices have temporarily closed – a plot twist worthy of a Netflix political drama 🍿.
House Speaker Maria Chen confirmed lawmakers will vote early next week on a Senate-backed deal that could end the stalemate. 'This is like hitting pause on your favorite video game – annoying but fixable,' tweeted political analyst Jamal Reyes, summing up the mood.
Key impacts in 2026: – 380,000 federal workers furloughed – IRS tax processing delays expected – NASA's Mars sample return mission briefing postponed
Asian markets reacted cautiously, with Tokyo's Nikkei dipping 0.3% at open. Overseas investors are watching closely as the shutdown could delay key trade agreements with APEC members.
