Before reading the article:

What have you heard or read about the shutdown of the federal government, which started on Friday? What does it mean in practical terms?

Watch the related video, then make a list: What questions do you still have about the shutdown?

Now, read the article, “After Vowing to Fix Washington, Trump Is Mired in a Familiar Crisis,” and answer the following questions:

1. What “most perennial of political crises” did President Trump find himself thrust into on Saturday?

2. How had he planned to spend this weekend, prior to the government shutdown? What did he say about it on Twitter?

3. Who is John F. Kelly? What is he “still learning,” according to the article?

4. What was the immediate cause of the government shutdown?