Today marks day 15 of the partial government shutdown. And if that wasn't enough, things could get worse unless Congress acts quickly over the next 48 hours to raise the debt ceiling. Otherwise, the United States could begin to default on its debt. The worst-case scenario here is pretty dire: financial crisis and a global economy in recession, according to the head of the International Monetary Fund.

Last night, Senate Democrats and Republicans closed in on a deal that would raise the debt ceiling, end the shutdown, and avert crisis, at least for now. The wildcard, however, is whether House Republicans will go along with the deal. Already some House Republicans are arguing Senate Republicans are capitulating to Democrats.

Not surprisingly, the shutdown has ground much of the nation’s capital to a halt. Here is your very lean list of events - only one - happening around the District this holiday-shortened week.

Tuesday, October 15th

Racial Justice
The Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in the case, Schuette v. Coalition to Defend Affirmative Action, challenging a state constitutional amendment prohibiting affirmative action in public universities admissions.

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