Up First from NPR Shutdown Economics, U.S.- Colombia Tensions, Louvre Heist Fallout
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Oct 21, 2025 The mounting costs of the government shutdown are putting pressure on furloughed workers and stalling contracts, impacting small businesses. Tensions rise as the U.S. threatens to cut aid to Colombia, risking a long-standing alliance amid accusations and retaliations. Meanwhile, France grapples with the fallout from a brazen Louvre jewel heist, revealing major security failures and provoking public outrage. The museum faces scrutiny and planned security upgrades might not arrive until 2031.
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Shutdown's Wider Economic Ripple
- The shutdown freezes paychecks and contracts, forcing federal workers and contractors to delay spending.
- That ripple can strain small businesses, delay projects, and hamper services like air traffic control.
Prepare For Reduced Local Spending
- Expect federal employees to reduce discretionary spending while pay is uncertain.
- Businesses dependent on public-sector customers should plan for short-term drops in demand.
Contracts Halted, Small Firms At Risk
- Contract awards slow dramatically, with roughly $800 million of contracts not awarded per workday.
- About half of that business usually flows to small firms, risking layoffs and closures if delays persist.