What a government shutdown would mean for the U.S. military — and national security Service members would work without pay, and many civil servants are likely to be furloughed. Congress has yet to pass a separate bill to guarantee military pay as it did in previous shutdowns. Read more on NPR

Sen. Bob Menendez and his wife plead not guilty in bribery case Menendez has refused to step down as New Jersey’s senior senator even amid growing calls from his fellow Democratic senators. Read more on NPR

Seven candidates will hit the GOP debate stage as Trump skips the party again The Republican Party has its second debate of the 2024 campaign Wednesday. Notably absent will be former President Donald Trump, who instead will travel to Michigan to talk to autoworkers. Read more on NPR

This year’s COVID vaccine rollout is off to a bumpy start, despite high demand Some people are finding pharmacies still don’t have supply of the shots, and others are having insurance coverage troubles. Here’s what’s going on. Read more on NPR

In the second GOP debate, expect Ronald Reagan to loom large in name — but not policy Once the conservative leader by which others were measured, former President Ronald Reagan looms large in the Republican Party. But his influence may be waning. Read more on NPR

What would a partial government shutdown mean for the U.S. military? Unless there is progress on spending, a partial government shutdown appears on track to happen Sept. 30. NPR’s Steve Inskeep speaks to White House National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby. Read more on NPR