Several federal agencies sent emails to employees blaming Democrats for the government shutdown and emphasizing President Trump's opposition to it, while agencies prepare contingency plans for potential shutdown impacts amid political disagreements.
A potential U.S. government shutdown could delay pay for active-duty military personnel and civilian defense workers, but essential personnel would continue working. Legislation like the 'Pay Our Military Act' or the proposed 'Pay Our Troops Act of 2026' could mitigate pay delays. The Defense Department has outlined contingency plans prioritizing critical missions, including border security and Middle East operations, with some civilian furloughs but no workforce cuts. Military medical services would continue, though elective procedures might be delayed.
With a government shutdown imminent, the Trump administration has yet to publicly release contingency plans for federal agencies, raising concerns about preparedness and the impact on essential services, especially after a major reorganization of federal agencies and staffing changes.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth acknowledged that the Pentagon has contingency plans to potentially invade Greenland and Panama if necessary, amid heated congressional questioning about military plans and his use of Signal chats for discussing operations. The hearing revealed tensions over classified information and the scope of military planning, with Hegseth avoiding direct answers on invasion plans while emphasizing preparedness for any contingency.
The sudden withdrawal or death of a major-party candidate before the 2024 presidential election could lead to a complex and unprecedented situation. The replacement process would vary depending on the timing of the withdrawal, with potential scenarios including delegate reallocation, contested conventions, and party committee decisions. While the process would be intricate and potentially contentious, experts believe that the constitutional and party rules in place would guide the nomination of a new candidate, ensuring a serviceable outcome despite the unexpected circumstances.
The White House is engaging in "prudent contingency planning" to evacuate Americans from the Middle East in case the Israel-Hamas war escalates into a broader regional conflict. While there are currently no active efforts beyond charter flights, the U.S. government is preparing for potential evacuations. President Biden and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman discussed efforts to deter state and non-state actors from widening the conflict, with the U.S. warning Iran against involvement. The Pentagon is anticipating increased violence and attacks from Iranian proxy forces. Biden believes Hamas attacked Israel to prevent the normalization of relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia. Talks for broader recognition of Israel were interrupted after Hamas militants stormed Israeli towns. Biden expressed concern over the slow arrival of humanitarian aid in Gaza, where the situation is dire. The war has resulted in thousands of casualties, and the U.S. is deploying additional forces and air defense systems to the region.
The IRS is reversing its plans to remain "fully operational" during a government shutdown, according to the National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU). The IRS had previously stated that it would use multi-year funds to continue normal operations, but NTEU now says the agency will "partially close" if Congress triggers a lapse in appropriations. The union called the IRS's reversal "disturbing news" and urged its members to prepare for the worst. Congress has until September 30 to pass a spending bill or continuing resolution to avert a shutdown.
The Philippines is closely monitoring the threat of China invading Taiwan and has contingency plans in place for possible conflict in the region, according to the country's defense chief. The safety of over 100,000 Filipino nationals living and working in Taiwan is a priority. The Philippines, a key defense partner of the United States, has granted access to additional bases this year, which has angered China. The country has emphasized that it is not taking sides in the U.S.-China rivalry and hopes that bilateral engagements between the two powers will help diffuse tensions in the region.
The Philippines is closely monitoring the threat of China invading Taiwan and has contingency plans in place for possible conflict in the region, according to the country's defense chief. The safety of over 100,000 Filipinos living and working in Taiwan is a priority. The Philippines, a key defense partner of the United States, has granted access to additional bases this year, some facing north towards Taiwan. The country has emphasized that it is not taking sides in the U.S.-China rivalry and hopes that bilateral engagements between the U.S. and China will help diffuse tensions in the region.
The Philippines is closely monitoring the threat of China invading Taiwan and has contingency plans in place for possible conflict in the region, according to the country's defense chief. The safety of over 100,000 Filipino nationals living and working in Taiwan is a priority. The Philippines, a key defense partner of the United States, has granted access to additional bases this year, which has angered China. The country has emphasized that it is not taking sides in the US-China rivalry and hopes that bilateral engagements between the US and China will help diffuse tensions in the region.
Viasat, a global leader in satellite communications, has disclosed that an unexpected event occurred during the deployment of the reflector for its ViaSat-3 Americas satellite, which may impact its performance. The company is working with the reflector's manufacturer to resolve the issue and is refining contingency plans to minimize the economic impact. Options include redeploying satellites from Viasat's fleet or reallocating a subsequent ViaSat-3 satellite. There is no disruption to customers, and the company will provide further updates during its earnings call in August.
As fans of Taylor Swift flood downtown Minneapolis, severe weather threatens the weekend activities. With a NEXT Weather Alert in place, people are advised to have a plan in case of a sudden downpour or flood. Twin Cities Pride has a meteorologist on site to issue an alert if necessary, and contingency plans are in place to ensure everyone's safety.
Wall Street banks and asset managers are preparing for the potential fallout from a possible US government debt default as talks over raising the $31.4tn debt ceiling go down to the wire. The financial industry has prepared for such a crisis before, but this time, the relatively short time frame for reaching a compromise has bankers on edge. Banks, brokers, and trading platforms are prepping for disruption to the Treasury market, as well as broader volatility. The Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (SIFMA) has a playbook detailing how Treasury market stakeholders would communicate ahead of and during the days of potential missed Treasuries payments.
The Writers Guilds of America East and West will not picket the Tony Awards next month, but will not negotiate an interim agreement or a waiver for the show. The Tony Awards organizers are making a last-ditch effort to convince the WGA to issue the strike waiver or agree not to picket the event in order to allow the June 11 ceremony to go on as planned with CBS airing the broadcast and Paramount+ streaming the event. The key issue to be determined is whether or not the Tony organizers will stick to the June 11 date, televised or not.
Wall Street banks and asset managers are preparing for potential fallout from a possible US debt default as talks over raising the government's $31.4tn debt ceiling intensify. The financial industry has prepared for such a crisis before, but this time, the relatively short time frame for reaching a compromise has bankers on edge. The ability to trade in and out of Treasury positions in the secondary market would be severely impaired, and even a short breach of the debt limit could lead to a spike in interest rates, a plunge in equity prices, and covenant breaches in loan documentation and leverage agreements. Banks, brokers, and trading platforms are prepping for disruption to the Treasury market, as well as broader volatility.