Republicans develop new plan to end shutown

Preliminary drafts ask for an immediate reopening of government, funding at sequestration levels, and increasing the debt limit through Jan. 31, 2014.

White House makes alliance with business community

Both groups want the government reopened, the debt ceiling raised — and tea party candidates defeated.

Richardson pictured with Congolese President Laurent Kabila in 1997. (AP)

I’ve made deals with dictators.
Here’s my advice for Congress.

OUTLOOK | “I never thought I’d say this, but Congress could take a lesson from the Congo,” says the ex-U.S. ambassador to the U.N.

Air Force fires commander of U.S. nuclear arms ‘due to a loss of trust’

Air Force fires commander of U.S. nuclear arms ‘due to a loss of trust’

Gen. Michael Carey has been under months of investigation for “personal misbehavior,” officials say.

Ex-SS officer convicted in notorious Nazi massacre near Rome dies at 100

Ex-SS officer convicted in notorious Nazi massacre near Rome dies at 100

Throughout his life, Erich Priebke maintained that he was ultimately powerless over the killings in 1944.

This Betty White may be wax, but
love for her does not wane

This Betty White may be wax, but<br>love for her does not wane

The golden girl’s wax twin is at Madame Tussauds and making the rounds in D.C. for animal causes.

Obamacare needs young people to sign up. And it looks like they’re starting.

Obamacare needs young people to sign up. And it looks like they’re starting.

WONKBLOG | Initial signs show that the under-35 set have been among the more enthusiastic shoppers.

Editors’ Picks

Television host Jon Stewart is seen during a taping of 'The Daily Show with Jon Stewart' in New York, Wednesday Nov. 30, 2011. (AP Photo/Brad Barket)

The best shutdown jokes

PHOTOS | Panda cam deprivation? More than a few people are finding a little humor in this mess.

WASHINGTON, D.C, OCTOBER 4, 2013: The new Hawk & Dove offers a hummus appetizer. (Photo by Astrid Riecken for The Washington Post)

Dinner for $20 in D.C.? No problem.

PHOTOS | “$20 Diner” Tim Carman is on an unending hunt for the city’s best cheap eats. Here are his picks.

Picks of the Week 

Don’t blame D.C. for the shutdown. This craziness was imported here.

Don’t blame D.C. for the shutdown. This craziness was imported here.

These lawmakers don’t represent us. Consider that next time you slam D.C. as a cesspool.

Idle federal workers try to resist
the siren song of the BlackBerry

Idle federal workers try to resist <br>the siren song of the BlackBerry

For many furloughed employees, the smartphone is a symbol of the work they yearn to do but can’t.

In China, an education in bribery

In China, an education in bribery

At elite Chinese schools, everything from admission to grades is negotiable, and parents must pay.

WASHINGTON, DC - AUGUST 30: Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, celebrating her 20th anniversary on the bench, is photographed in the West conference room at the U.S. Supreme Court in Washington, D.C., on Friday, August 30, 2013. (Photo by Nikki Kahn/The Washington Post)

Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. (N.Kahn/Post)

The decision of her life

As Ruth Bader Ginsburg begins her 21st Supreme Court term, she faces a question: When is it time to leave a lifetime job?

Featured Photo Galleries

Photos of the day

The Nobel Peace Prize, a 48-hour charity swim, Eid al-Adha, New York Comic Con and more.

Animals from around the world

Baby panda twins in Atlanta, counting elephants in Kenya, Saint Francis of Assisi celebrations and more.

Maria de Villota dies

The Formula One test driver who lost an eye in a near-fatal accident in July 2012, was found dead in a Seville, Spain, hotel room.

Kris and Bruce Jenner split after 22 years

The married couple’s fame skyrocketed after the launch of E!’s “Keeping Up With the Kardashians.”

Early astronaut Scott Carpenter dies at 88

Carpenters was part of the Mercury 7 crew and the second American in orbit.

Malala becomes advocate for girls’ education

Pakistani teen who was shot in the head by Taliban remains critic of efforts to impose strict Islamic law.

The most powerful women in D.C.

Five of Fortune’s 50 most-powerful women in business help direct companies based in the Washington area.

Tom Hanks: His many memorable roles

The Oscar-winning actor stars in “Captain Phillips,” which opens nationwide Oct. 11, marking his latest role in a storied career.

Politics

A Republican perspective on the NBC-WSJ poll: ‘Significant and consequential’

THE FIX | Bill McInturff, who helped conduct the poll, offers his perspective on what it all means.

More Opinions

Iran wants sanctions relief — and nukes

Iran wants sanctions relief — and nukes

The regime’s offer of talks is meant only to test President Obama.

Local

Much-talked about trucker protest
on Beltway causes no major incidents

Much-talked about trucker protest<br>on Beltway causes no major incidents

Protest of “government intrusion” was “pretty much a non-event,” Va. State Police spokesman says.

Sports

ALCS is a fascinating matchup of contrasts

ALCS is a fascinating matchup of contrasts

COLUMN | The series between the Red Sox and Tigers pits two of MLB’s storied franchises.

Business

World financial leaders: U.S. stalemate needs ‘urgent’ fix

World financial leaders: U.S. stalemate needs ‘urgent’ fix

The Group of 20 warns of economic risk if the impasse over the debt and budget isn’t resolved quickly.

Technology

How Apple searches the App Store for new ideas

How Apple searches the App Store for new ideas

THE SWITCH | Platforms democratize innovation. But here’s how they also benefit their owners.

World

In India, thousands flee cyclone

In India, thousands flee cyclone

Phailin, the most powerful storm to take aim at the region since 1999, carries the threat of massive flooding, transit disruptions and power outages.

Federal Government

Federal workers talk financial concerns

Federal workers talk financial concerns

FEDERAL EYE | Federal employees share their strategies for dealing with time off and financial uncertainty during the shutdown.

Lifestyle

An astronaut’s view of ‘Gravity’

An astronaut’s view of ‘Gravity’

Mark Kelly says space film gets a lot right, even if it takes liberties with how objects would move in orbit.

Discussions

Q&A: This scientist studies space weather at the South Pole

Q&A: This scientist studies space weather at the South Pole

Scientist took questions on his work and how the government shutdown impacts scientists working at U.S. Antarctic Program stations.

Diversions