An Ignoble Experiment: The 7: See what’s impacted by the shutdown; comedy festival backlash; the fattest bear; and more

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By Jamie Ross and Izin Akhabau

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Good morning. It's Wednesday, Oct. 1, and a new statue of Tina Turner in Tennessee is sparking amusement and backlash — see it for yourself. Now let's get to the news.

The federal government shut down at 12:01 a.m. Eastern.

Why? Lawmakers failed to reach a deal to extend funding for federal agencies. The Senate yesterday rejected a measure to avert a shutdown. Find out how your senator voted here.
What now? Many offices, services and parks have closed — check this list. Some Democrats are cheering on the shutdown, despite warnings from President Donald Trump.

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Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth lectured military leaders yesterday.

Key takeaways: It was an extraordinary exhibition of both men's grievances. They hyped their political objectives and attacked their predecessors. The generals reacted with silence.
One big announcement: Hegseth said he'll overhaul channels that allow troops to report toxic leaders. He wants to return the military to how it was in the '90s — a dark decade in its past.

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Trump announced a deal with Pfizer to lower drug prices.

The plan: Pfizer said it will bring the price of its drugs sold to Medicaid in line with rates paid by other countries. The White House also teased a Trump-branded medications website.
Also yesterday: A judge ruled the administration illegally targeted pro-Palestinian protesters. And the White House withdrew its controversial pick to lead the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

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Fewer women crossed state lines for abortions in the first half of this year.

What to know: The number of abortions declined in states where it's legal, a report found. In places with bans, more people may be using pills mailed to them from out of state.
In other health news: The Trump administration plans to make it easier for parents to access leucovorin, which officials claim could treat autism. But experts are concerned.

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A comedy festival in Saudi Arabia is sparking a big backlash.

Why? Advocacy groups say the festival will help the country paper over its human rights record. Aziz Ansari, Bill Burr and Dave Chappelle are set to perform — see the lineup here.
Closer to home: Bad Bunny's Super Bowl halftime show is already sparking MAGA fury. For years, a professed hatred of cancel culture has unified the American right, but that is changing.

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These DoorDash delivery robots might be coming to a bike lane near you.

Tips you've prepaid will be refunded if a robot brings your order. (DoorDash)

What to know: The devices are 4½ feet tall and can deliver food at speeds of 20 mph. They are roaming around Phoenix, and there are plans to expand to more areas.
Zooming out: Tech stocks are booming, and Americans have a greater share of their wealth in the stock market than ever before. That could leave individual investors exposed.

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Fat Bear Week has a new, grizzled champion — Chunk.

"Chunk" finally gets his flowers. (Washington Post illustration; NPS; iStock)

How he did it: Defeating 11 other bears in Alaska's Katmai National Park and Preserve in an online fattening-up tournament (despite having a dangling tooth in a broken jaw.)
Yet more animal news: Climate change could be having a remarkable effect on birds — creating a rare, colorful kind of hybrid jay.

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Before you go … it's officially spooky season: Curl up with these six noteworthy books for October. Plus: Why borrowing a dog is good for your health.

One more good read: This scientist studies ultra-processed foods. Here's what he eats in a day.

We're trying something new: Do you have questions about stories you've seen in The 7? Send them here. We'll find the right person to answer them and share responses in an upcoming special edition of The 7.

And finally … take a game break: