A.M. Links: Federal Government Partially Shut Down, Harry Reid Refuses to Negotiate, Barack Obama Blames GOP "Faction," Obesity Up in NYC Under Bloomberg, Breaking Bad Series Finale Sees Record-Breaking Ratings
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AMC The federal government partially shut down at midnight. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid insists he won't participate in budget negotiations that would fund the government, allowing it to reopen, until the government reopens. Reid had previously rejected an offer by the House to take the issue to conference to prevent a shut down. President Obama, meanwhile, blames a "faction" of the GOP. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel warns a shutdown will hurt US credibility. Asian markets saw a modest sell-off after the shutdown.
- Two two-star Marine Corps generals have been "forced" to retire over a Taliban attack on a base in Afghanistan last year.
- Despite (or because of!) Mayor Bloomberg's campaign against obesity, the obesity rates in New York City has gone up 25 percent since he took office.
- Novelty lighters shaped like guns or toys have been banned in New York State. For the children.
- 700 protesters have been arrested this week in the Sudan, where demonstrations against fuel subsidy cuts have grown into demonstrations against President Omar al-Bashir and his government.
- The series finale of Breaking Bad was watched by a record-breaking 10.3 million people.
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