How John Thune sees the shutdown ending … “I keep telling them: When they have eight or 10 — preferably 10, or more — when they have a critical mass, let me know if there's a conversation they want to have,” Thune said.  —  He insisted he would not negotiate on the substance of an extension while the government is closed.

Trump Admin Tells Furloughed Workers To Set OOO Message Blaming Democrats For Shutdown  —  One health department employee said the directions seemed to be “coercing” subordinates into political activity.  —  After the government shutdown began Wednesday morning, furloughed employees …

Activists say Israeli navy has begun intercepting a Gaza-bound aid flotilla  —  Activists on board a flotilla of vessels sailing toward Gaza said late Wednesday that the Israeli navy had intercepted three of its boats as they approached the besieged Palestinian territory.

Bonus 180: “Domestic Terrorism” and NSPM-7  —  The Trump administration is hoping no one notices that, although federal law *defines* “domestic terrorism,” it provides no special authorities against anyone whose behavior *meets* that definition.  —  ∙ Paid  —  Welcome back to the weekly bonus content for “One First.”