18 Jan 2019; AP: The shutdown battle between President Donald Trump and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi turned into an escalating game of constitutional brinksmanship as he denied her a military plane to visit troops in Afghanistan in apparent retaliation for her attempt to delay his State of Union address.
Federal workers caught in the middle apply for unemployment benefits and food stamps.
TSA officials say the rate of airport screeners missing work during the partial government shutdown has stabilized — but still at unusually high numbers — just before a three-day holiday weekend that is likely to bring bigger airport crowds.
The partial government shutdown is delaying training and other preparation for this year’s wildfire season.
