5 takeaways as a government shutdown begins

The government shut down at 12:01 a.m. Wednesday after lawmakers did little to prevent it over the last two days.

Republicans are adamant that their proposed measure to keep the government ticking for the next seven weeks, already approved by the GOP-held House, should be passed with no baggage attached in the Senate.

Democrats are equally emphatic that their support, which Republicans need to pass the legislation through the upper chamber, will only be given if t...