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.

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