Drew Angerer / Getty Images fileLIVE UPDATESGovernment shutdown hours away as a divided GOP caucus prepares to vote on a 45-day stopgap billHouse Republicans say they lack the votes for a short-term funding billA short government shutdown wouldn’t crash the economy, but a long one holds risks
LaPere familyTECH CEO'S KILLINGHow a violent sex offender now accused of rape and Pava LaPere's murder got out of prison earlySuspect in Baltimore tech CEO's death had warrant for alleged rape days before killing
Margaret Albaugh for NBC NewsSPECIAL REPORTPregnant with no OB-GYNs around: In Idaho, maternity care became a casualty of its abortion banWATCH: Judge appears likely to grant DOJ request to block restrictive Idaho abortion law
Justine Goode; NBC News / Getty ImagesVeterans' benefitsThousands of workers leave the VA amid a flood of new cases and quota demandsWATCH: Veterans Affairs faces staffing shortages ahead of government shutdownA radiation-exposed veteran denied federal benefits says 'they're waiting for us to die'
AP fileTUPAC INVESTIGATIONArrest in Tupac Shakur murder case follows decades of conspiraciesLas Vegas police arrest person in connection with Tupac Shakur murder investigationJada Pinkett Smith says she hopes to get 'some answers' after arrest
Javier Fuentes for NBC NewsHISPANIC HERITAGE MONTHMexican paletas are a growing craze — and here's why almost all stores share one name
Justine Goode; NBC News / Getty ImagesHispanic Heritage MonthWhat started with Spanglish has become a whole new English dialect in this U.S. cityShe'll be the first Afro Latina on a U.S. quarter. Here's Celia Cruz, remembered.The 'no sabo kids' are pushing back on Spanish-language shaming
