Updated April 8, 2026
Government shutdown tracker: live updates, agency status, travel alerts, and help.
Follow federal shutdown coverage, understand which services may be affected, and quickly reach guidance for workers, travelers, families, contractors, and the public.
This homepage is organized around the main questions people search for during a shutdown: what is happening now, what is affected, what vote comes next, and where to find practical help.
Key pages
Get Help
Resources for workers, families, travelers, contractors, and anyone affected by a funding lapse.
Agency Tracker
See which agencies and services may be affected and where to look for official updates.
Travel Alerts
Check likely impacts to air travel, passports, parks, and other public-facing travel services.
Latest government shutdown news and live updates
This feed links to original reporting from outside publishers. GovernmentShutdown.net does not host or republish those articles.
From The Sports Desk: Amazing Azzi
At the WNBA draft last night, the Dallas Wings selected Azzi Fudd with the No. 1 overall pick, uniting Fudd with her girlfriend and former college teammate Paige Bueckers, whom...
Justice Dept. report accuses Biden-era DOJ of uneven enforcement of FACE Act law
The report claims the Justice Department under Merrick Garland "violated the rights of Americans" by only applying the law to support those in support of abortion rights, not those who...
US set to launch tariff refund system April 20
The system could reimburse companies $160 billion after the Supreme Court ruled against the administration.
California dreaming: who is running to succeed Gavin Newsom as governor?
A total of 150 candidates have submitted paperwork, but here are the frontrunners for the electionThe race is on to succeed Gavin Newsom, the California governor with presidential ambitions whose...
Woman killed in officer-involved shooting at Omaha Walmart during alleged kidnapping attempt
A woman was killed in an officer-involved shooting Tuesday morning at a Walmart in Omaha, Nebraska, after police said she cut a 3-year-old child with a knife during an alleged...
Republicans threaten ActBlue CEO with contempt of Congress in fraud probe
The chairs of three GOP-led House committees say ActBlue "may have deliberately" withheld some documents from their probe into fraudulent political donations.
Man dies after doctor allegedly removed the wrong organ
Man dies after doctor allegedly removed the wrong organ
Tankers, talks and Trump's 'dangerous' blockade: China's Iran war involvement gets louder
HONG KONG — China has been a quiet — if crucial — player in the Iran war, as U.S. military action upends the global economy
Latest Eric Swalwell accuser alleges he drugged and raped her
Lonna Drewes came forward Tuesday with the allegations after the California Democrat announced he would resign from Congress.
US-Iran peace talks could resume in next two days, Trump says
US president says negotiations could restart in Islamabad under ‘fantastic’ Pakistani army chief Asim Munir• Middle East crisis – live updatesDonald Trump has said that US-Iranian peace talks could resume...
Trump 'not a big fan' of Riley Gaines after AI Jesus image criticism
This post sparked outcry from several conservatives and Christians who called the post blasphemous before it was taken down.
11 races that could determine control of the Senate
The unpopular war with Iran and stubborn affordability issues have given Democrats cause to be more hopeful about their chances of flipping key seats — and maybe even winning control...
Woman says Eric Swalwell drugged, raped and choked her in 2018
Woman says Eric Swalwell drugged, raped and choked her in 2018
Musk's Grok AI chatbot is still making sexual deepfakes, despite X's promise to stop it
Elon Musk’s AI software, Grok, continues to generate sexualized images of people without their consent.
Musk's Grok AI chatbot is still making sexual deepfakes, despite X's promise to stop it
Elon Musk’s AI software, Grok, continues to generate sexualized images of people without their consent.
Robot chases away group of wild boars in Poland
Robot chases away group of wild boars in Poland
Did the Artemis II spacecraft protect the crew well enough? NASA races to find out
Now that the Artemis II astronauts are safely home from their moon mission, NASA is investigating how well its spacecraft's heat shield protected the crew during their return.
GOP senators grow uncomfortable with Trump rhetoric, endgame for Iran
GOP lawmakers are used to Trump's hyperbolic style but want to distance themselves from his most incendiary comments.
US edges closer to popular vote deciding winner of presidential elections
Virginia signs national popular vote bill into law, joining interstate compact with 17 other states and District of ColumbiaA national majority vote for president is one step closer to reality...
'I thought I died': Woman says Swalwell drugged, raped and choked her in 2018
During a press conference with her attorneys, Lonna Drewes said that she believed Rep. Eric Swalwell drugged, raped and choked her in 2018.
Todd Blanche says Americans should be 'happy' Trump is deeply involved in DOJ
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said Tuesday that Americans should be "happy" President Donald Trump is deeply involved with the Justice Department
Appeals court shuts down criminal contempt probe over deportation flights
U.S. District Judge James Boasberg launched a criminal contempt inquiry after he said officials defied an order to turn around flights of Venezuelan migrants bound for El Salvador.
Video shows school shooter before opening fire in Turkey
Video shows school shooter before opening fire in Turkey
ICE detention of US citizen in Minnesota investigated as kidnapping, false arrest
County officials review whether ICE’s warrantless raid and forced transport of a St Paul US citizen broke lawAuthorities in Minnesota are investigating the detention by federal immigration officers of a...
Fired Michigan coach Sherrone Moore to be sentenced following incident at staffer's home
Former University of Michigan football coach Sherrone Moore, who was fired after the school said he'd had an inappropriate relationship with a female staffer, is set to be sentenced today...
JD Vance wades into Trump’s feud with Pope Leo
Trump recently clashed with the leader of the Catholic Church over the war in Iran, calling the pope “weak on crime."
Trump and Iran in battle of the blockades – The Latest
The US blockade of ships using Iranian ports has come into force but several Iran-linked tankers have passed through the strait of Hormuz since it began. The blockade is designed...
'I thought I died' in Eric Swalwell encounter, accuser says
U.S. Rep. Eric Swalwell announced he’s leaving Congress following sexual assault allegations he denies.
TMZ launches DC bureau, tracks down Graham, Cruz on first day
TMZ, known for its sensational headlines and dirt-digging on celebrities, is turning to Congress.
Energy secretary predicts energy prices may rise, hit peak in 'next few weeks'
Asked if prices will increase before they go lower, Wright said, “It depends how the conflict goes, but it's a very real possibility.”
Brian Hooker speaks out after release from police custody
Brian Hooker, whose wife disappeared in the Bahamas after reportedly falling from their boat, sat down with NBC News' Jesse Kirsch hours after being released from police custody.
Graphic: Tracking ship traffic through the Strait of Hormuz
Traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has been at a near-standstill for weeks amid the Iran war, sending prices of oil and other key goods soaring.
Judge ordered to end contempt inquiry into 2025 deportation flights
Trump’s administration has a “clear and indisputable” right to the termination of the contempt proceedings, a circuit judge wrote.
Government shutdown history timeline
- 1976–1977: Modern shutdown-era disputes begin to appear more regularly during appropriations lapses.
- 1980: Attorney General Benjamin Civiletti issues guidance that agencies generally must suspend non-excepted operations during funding gaps.
- 1995–1996: Two major shutdowns under President Bill Clinton make shutdown politics a central national issue.
- 2013: A 16-day shutdown disrupts services and broadens public awareness of agency-by-agency impacts.
- 2018–2019: A 35-day partial shutdown becomes the longest in U.S. history.
- 2020s: Repeated funding standoffs keep shutdown risk in the national political and economic conversation.
- April 8, 2026: Shutdown risk remains a recurring policy issue, and this site organizes news, guidance, and service-impact information in one place.
Government shutdown FAQ
What is a government shutdown?
A government shutdown happens when Congress does not approve funding in time for parts of the federal government to keep operating normally.
What services are usually affected during a shutdown?
Some functions continue because they are essential or funded differently, while others slow down, close, or pause new work.
Will federal employees and contractors be paid during a government shutdown?
Employees and contractors are often affected differently. Employees may be furloughed or required to work during a lapse, while contractors can face pauses or delayed work depending on contract terms.
Where can I check travel alerts and agency status?
Use the Agency Tracker for service-level questions, Get Help for practical guidance, Travel Alerts for transportation issues, and the Next Vote Date page for legislative timing.