News Wrap: Trump orders Pentagon to use ‘all available funds’ to pay troops amid shutdown

Day 11 of the government shutdown shows no signs of resolution, impacting federal funding and operations. The President has directed the Defense Department to ensure U.S. troops are paid, while Smithsonian museums and the National Zoo will close due to a lack of funds. The administration is also proceeding with plans for mass layoffs, with over 4,100 federal workers across seven agencies set to be fired in 60 days.

These planned firings are facing legal challenges. Separately, authorities have stated there are no survivors from an explosives plant blast in Tennessee that leveled the facility. It remains unclear how many individuals died in the incident, though 18 people were initially reported missing.

In entertainment news, actress and producer Diane Keaton has died at the age of 79. She was recognized for her versatile roles, including an Academy Award-winning performance in "Annie Hall" and her work in "The Godfather."

• The government shutdown has reached its 11th day with no resolution in sight, creating a congressional stalemate over federal funding.
• The Defense Department is ensuring U.S. troops receive their pay on time, while cultural institutions like the Smithsonian museums and National Zoo face closure due to dwindling funds.
• The administration is increasing pressure on opponents by threatening to selectively provide back pay to furloughed workers and cut programs.
• Mass firings are planned, with over 4,100 federal workers across seven agencies to be laid off in 60 days, a move currently under legal challenge.
• A tragic explosives plant blast in Tennessee has reportedly left no survivors, with the death toll still unconfirmed, and acclaimed actress Diane Keaton has passed away at 79.

Government Shutdown Continues [00:00]

• Day 11 of the government shutdown with no signs of ending the congressional stalemate blocking federal funding.
• The President has directed the Defense Department to use all available funds to ensure U.S. troops are paid on time.
• Smithsonian museums and the National Zoo will close tomorrow as they exhaust prior year funds.
• The President aims to increase pressure on Democrats by selectively offering back pay to furloughed workers and slashing programs they support.

The ongoing government shutdown has reached its eleventh day without any indication of a resolution, creating a significant impasse in Congress regarding federal funding. The administration is taking steps to manage troop payments and keep essential services funded temporarily, but major cultural institutions are facing closure.

The President says he's directed the Defense Department to use all available funds to make sure U.S. troops are paid on time on Wednesday.

Mass Firings and Legal Challenges [00:38]

• The administration is moving forward with plans for mass firings of federal workers.
• Federal workers have begun receiving notices of layoffs scheduled for 60 days from now.
• Over 4,100 workers across seven agencies are slated to be fired.
• These actions are being challenged in court.

The administration is initiating substantial layoffs, with over 4,100 federal employees across seven agencies set to lose their jobs in two months. These impending firings are currently the subject of legal challenges.

On Friday, federal workers began receiving notices telling them that they'll be laid off in 60 days.

Tennessee Explosives Plant Blast [00:57]

• Authorities report no survivors from an explosives plant blast in Tennessee that leveled the facility.
• The exact number of fatalities is not yet clear, with 18 people previously reported missing.

A devastating blast at an explosives plant in Tennessee has resulted in no reported survivors, and the final death toll remains uncertain after 18 individuals were initially unaccounted for.

Authorities say there are no survivors from a blast that leveled an explosives plant in Tennessee, Friday.

Passing of Diane Keaton [01:07]

• Actress and producer Diane Keaton has died at the age of 79.
• Her career included acclaimed roles in varied films such as "The Godfather" and "Annie Hall."
• She won an Academy Award for her performance in "Annie Hall."

Acclaimed actress and producer Diane Keaton has passed away at the age of 79, leaving behind a notable career highlighted by significant roles in films like "The Godfather" and her Academy Award-winning performance in "Annie Hall."

Actress and producer Diane Keaton has died. PBS News has confirmed.

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