The government shutdown happened midnight on October 1st and here are some things to help better understand exactly what’s happening. It’s all about healthcare, Republicans don’t want to pass a budget that funds Obamacare. More than 800,000 non essential federal workers will be sent home without pay. Military members and prison workers will not be affected and continue being paid. There have been 17 government shutdowns in 37 years. Congress is still trying to reach an agreement on a budget, some say it could take weeks.