Nearly half of the federal employees who won this year's "Service to America" medals are currently furloughed. (Wash Post)
Which lawmakers will refuse their pay during the shutdown? (Wash Post)
Meet the House conservative instigators. (National Journal)
Sen. Rand Paul wants to talk over coffee. In front of cameras. (BuzzFeed)
Both Houses of Congress did manage to agree on a bill yesterday. (The Hill)
TX Sen. Wendy Davis will announce her future political plans today. (AP)
California legalizes industrial hemp. (HuffPo)
Sec. Kerry says talks with Iran will not be based on trust. (NY Times)