The Trump administration said it has dismissed over 4,100 federal workers since the shutdown began but a judge has since ordered it to pause the firings.

The government shutdown continued for Day 17 with growing concerns about missing paychecks and food assistance.

Significant crowd sizes in major cities like New York City, Washington, D.C., and Los Angeles were observed Saturday during "No Kings" protests against the Trump administration.

Despite delays at some airports caused by staff shortages, government officials and aviation experts say flying is safe.

Republicans have maintained they will not negotiate with Democrats while the government is shut down. But Democrats are not swayed by the promise of negotiations in the future -- pushing for an agreement that addresses health care and also reopens the government.

Amid the ongoing partial government shutdown, Education Secretary Linda McMahon pointed out that the shutdown proves that her department is not needed.

The government shutdown is in its third week as the Senate failed again to advance a House-passed measure to fund the government.