Good morning. The federal government shut down at midnight after both parties refused to blink, leaving no clear exit strategy in sight. Top questions answered.

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TOP STORY TODAY

Government Shuts Down

The federal government shut down at 12:01 a.m. Wednesday after the Senate failed to pass funding legislation. Both a Democratic proposal and a GOP House-passed stopgap bill extending through November 21 were voted down Tuesday evening.

Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought directed agencies to execute shutdown plans. Both parties blame each other for the funding impasse, with limited discussions between leaders. The shutdown's duration remains uncertain as lawmakers seek resolution (live updates here.)

Separately, President Trump addressed military leaders Tuesday at Quantico, pledging to make forces "faster, fiercer" and prioritizing homeland defense. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth unveiled a 10-point plan overhauling military culture.

Here’s what stays open, what closes in a shutdown.

MILITARY

Military Summit Threats

President Trump threatened to fire top military leaders who disagreed with him during a rare September 30 meeting at Quantico, Virginia. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth addressed hundreds of generals and admirals summoned from worldwide commands, announcing reforms to eliminate "woke" policies from the armed forces.

Hegseth's 10-point plan mandates twice-yearly fitness tests and stricter grooming standards, criticizing "fat generals and admirals." All combat positions must now meet male-based standards. The meeting cost millions, bringing senior officers and staff from global commands on one week's notice.

Trump proposed using "dangerous cities" as military "training grounds" and deployed National Guard troops to multiple cities. The 72-minute address referenced nuclear weapons controversially. Democratic lawmakers criticized the gathering's cost and operational disruption.

TECHNOLOGY

Private Windowless Plane

Flexjet signed a contract Monday to buy 300 of Otto Aerospace's Phantom 3500 business jets. The deal, worth approximately $5.85 billion at market pricing (WSJ), makes Flexjet Otto's first fleet customer for the windowless aircraft featuring digital displays instead of traditional windows.

The nine-passenger jet uses exterior cameras to power 6-foot-wide interior screens showing panoramic views. Otto says the windowless design cuts fuel burn by 60% versus similar aircraft. The company raised $250 million and received $515 million in Florida state incentives.

First flight targets 2027, with deliveries by 2030. Ohio-based Flexjet operates roughly 340 jets and recently secured $800 million from private equity. See photos.

Get 1% Better

Dangers of Continuous Wifi Exposure

Wireless networks operating at 2.45 GHz blanket most homes—but animal research suggests developing organisms face unique vulnerabilities to continuous exposure.

The Developmental Concern (study here):

  • Kidney and testis damage: Rats exposed to WiFi from pregnancy through 6 weeks showed oxidative stress markers

  • Precocious puberty observed: Growing rats demonstrated accelerated sexual development alongside tissue injury

  • Critical window identified: Prenatal and early postnatal periods showed heightened susceptibility to electromagnetic effects

Study protocol: Researchers exposed rats to WiFi frequencies throughout pregnancy and early development, finding significantly elevated oxidative markers compared to controls receiving only intermittent mobile phone exposure.

Distance matters: The inverse square law means EMF intensity drops dramatically with distance—placing routers away from sleeping areas and high-traffic zones reduces exposure by up to 80 percent. You can also turn off the Wifi when unneeded.

Use a simple timer like this to turn off Wifi at night.

Time Your Eating Window with Sleep

Fasting works best when aligned with your body's repair cycle. Finish eating 2-3 hours before bed—digesting food during sleep disrupts deep rest, hormone balance, and overnight restoration. Whether you skip breakfast or dinner depends on individual preference, but keeping meals away from bedtime lets your body focus on cellular repair instead of digestion.

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