Plenty of Americans think our lawmakers are backwards this week, but how is the rest of the world reacting to the partial shutdown of the U.S. Government?

Time for the government shutdown edition of the Friday Flashback, our weekly analysis of stories in the news. Here with us in the studio, James Rainey of the LA Times, and joining us from the DC, Nancy Cook of National Journal.

The new film, "Parkland," takes an intimate look at the characters surrounding this tumultuous time.

Covered California's health insurance exchange opened for business on Tuesday, and chief Peter Lee defends the agency's performance amid widespread criticism and scrutiny.

Tourists are already at a bit of a loss, and the stalemate could also negatively affect the economies of towns near the parks. Here to explain what's happening and offer alternatives to would-be visitors is KPCC's environment reporter, Molly Peterson.

KPCC's Jacob Margolis attended a semi-final match last weekend to get an idea for what all of the fuss was about.

We've got something of a beef to settle...or you might say carne asada. Yesterday, the New York Times published a special taco issue of the food section. Their food writer Ligaya Mishan made a provocative claim:

Later this month, some of the greatest names in modern comedy, including Zach Galifianakis, Adam Sandler and Sarah Silverman will take to the stage in Santa Monica. It's the first-ever Festival Supreme, a celebration of music and comedy, that’s put together by Jack Black and Kyle Gass, otherwise known as Tenacious D. T