The US government has been shut down for 19 hours after Congress failed to reach a funding deal at midnight. The deadlock, fuelled by Republican and Democratic clashes over enhanced Obamacare subsidies, has left thousands of federal workers in limbo.

While paychecks are frozen until the shutdown ends, local businesses in Washington DC are stepping in to ease the strain — with free coffees, food deals, and even free football tickets.

It is not just food and drink. Colby’s Dogcare Spa confirmed in an email that federal workers and contractors will not be billed for memberships during the shutdown. The Washington Spirit, the city’s professional women’s football team, is giving away 200 free tickets for Sunday’s match, with further discounted seats available.

US Govt Shutdown: Why is this a

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