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In its fourth week, the federal government shutdown has become the second-longest government shutdown in American history, with no resolution in sight.

The funding dispute has halted paychecks for hundreds of thousands of federal workers and disrupted key services — from food assistance and small business loans to national parks and research programs. 

MPR News guest host Catharine Richert talks with a political scientist about how we got here, how the budget impasse is affecting people and what it reveals about the balance of power in Washington.

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MPR News guest host Catharine Richert talks with a political scientist about the federal government shutdown — how we got here, how the shutdown is affecting people and what it reveals about the balance of power in Washington.

MPR News with Angela Davis - Understanding the 2025 government shutdown: Causes, impact and what's next

The dome of the Capitol behind autumn foliage.

Understanding the 2025 government shutdown: Causes, impact and what's next

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