A Republican-written spending bill is being backed by some Senate Democrats, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, to avoid a government shutdown. Other Democrats — and much of the voter base — aren’t happy. We’ll get into it. Then, we’ll close out the week with a round of Half Full/Half Empty, weighing in on Southwest Airlines’ new checked bag policy and $19 strawberries. Plus, in the wake of a certain duchess’ foray into television, what are your thoughts on celeb cooking shows?

Here’s everything we talked about today:

• “The Siberian Bone Hunters Diving for Ice Age Mammoth Fossils” from The New York Times




• “Dr. Oz, with a TV host’s flair, promises simple solutions for America’s health care ills” by Politico




• “Schumer Under Fire as Pelosi and Other Democrats Criticize Shutdown Retreat” from The New York Times




• “Half-Past Four is the New Five O’Clock in More Efficient Workday” from Bloomberg




• “5 Takeaways From Meghan Markle’s Netflix Show ‘With Love, Meghan’” from The New York Times




• “Why does the viral Erewhon strawberry cost $19?” from Marketplace




• “Southwest Airlines is charging for checked bags. Will loyal flyers stick around?” from USA Today

Got a question or comment for the hosts? Email makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.