During a shutdown, recreational facilities funded by the federal government would be forced to close, leaving travelers and tourists unable to visit national park facilities or the Smithsonian museums in Washington. The National Park Service estimated that a 2013 government shutdown led to a $500 million loss in visitor spending nationwide.

If the government indeed shuts down on Wednesday, it would mean the temporary closure of certain government offices and the possible furlough (or worse) of thousands of federal workers. But some agencies and services are still considered essential, and would remain operational during a shutdown.

The Trump administration has proposed devastating cuts to federal Earth and climate science programs, and a government shutdown could give them an opportunity to begin implementing those cuts.

The Broward school district argues its use of the program, Latinos in Action, has not been discriminatory. Still, parents received notice that it would be discontinued by January.

During a government shutdown, only programs deemed essential for protecting life and property are kept operational.