Podcast:Rickey Smiley Morning Show Podcast Published On: Wed Oct 01 2025 Description: The U.S. hit the pause button today as the federal government officially shut down after Congress failed to pass funding—a move that leaves many nonessential agencies idle, furloughs hundreds of thousands of workers, and forces essential staff to work without pay while agencies brace for chaotic ripple effects.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.