Vought: Mass firings will begin ‘in a day or two’  —  OMB chief Russ Vought told House Republicans on a private call Wednesday that the administration will start mass reduction in force moves, or firings, of federal workers “in a day or two,” according to four people granted anonymity to describe the call.

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.

What this government shutdown could cost  —  The longest shutdown in history, which lasted 34 days during President Donald Trump's first term, cost the government about $11 billion.  —  Just now  —  The federal government officially shut down Wednesday after the Senate failed to pass …

We asked 1,000 Americans who they blame for the shutdown  —  Here's what they said.  —  Just now  —  How concerned are Americans about the partial shutdown of the federal government and whom do they blame for causing it?  The Washington Post texted a nationally representative sample of 1,010 people on Wednesday to ask.

Patel cuts ties Comey's FBI made with ADL as organization faces backlash for TPUSA criticism  —  'That era is finished.  This FBI formally rejects Comey's policies and any partnership with the ADL,' Patel said  —  EXCLUSIVE - FBI Director Kash Patel is cutting ties with the Anti-Defamation League …

Israel Intercepts Boats Headed to Gaza With Humanitarian Aid  —  The boats were part of a flotilla, carrying Greta Thunberg and other activists, that was organized to break Israel's blockade and protest the war.  —  Israel intercepted more than a dozen boats with activists from around …