A US government shutdown is underway as Republicans and Democrats fail to agree on a stopgap funding bill. Democrats are demanding an extension of enhanced Obamacare tax credits, which Republicans reject, accusing them of holding government funding hostage. Republicans claim their proposal is nonpartisan, while Democrats argue it's partisan due to a prior controversial spending bill. Both sides blame each other for the shutdown, which is expected to furlough hundreds of thousands of federal employees, though they will receive back pay.

Prepared by Lauren Mitchell and reviewed by editorial team.