Washington: Sorry, we're closed
With no federal budget deal in sight, the federal government in Washington, D.C partially shut down on Tuesday. Hundreds of thousands of employees were furloughed, museums and parks remained closed.
Essential or non-essential?
The US government shut down Tuesday for the first time in 17 years after a gridlocked Congress failed to reach a federal budget deal. All but esential services were suspended.
Black screen
Not surprisingly, the much-beloved panda cam at Washington's National Zoo was deemed non-essential - it's gone dark with the government shutdown.
No tours, no hikes
For the duration of the shutdown, tourists will find gates shuttered at national monuments and parks, including Yellowstone. The park is known worldwide for its wildlife and for Old Faithful, the popular geyser that erupts "faithfully" every 35 to 120 minutes.
National museums silent
Empty halls: The Smithsonian's 19 museums in D.C. , nine of them along the Mall between the Washington Monument and the Capitol, kept their doors locked on Tuesday too.
Forewarned
Visitors were forewarned that their favorite destinations might not be open on Tuesday - including the Statue of Liberty that has been welcoming immigrants to New York City since 1886. Almost four million people visit the popular monument each year.
Safety first
Employees will continue to monitor nuclear reactors during the government shutdown. Prison guards and border patrol agents are also on duty.
Air travel continues
Essential air security and traffic control operations are not affected by the spending freeze. Screeners continue to check passengers at security gates and safety rules are enforced.
The ISS will be staying up
Operations in support of the International Space Station, which currently is home to six astronauts including two Americans, continue. Many of the US space agency's other employees were ordered to stay home without pay.