The first week is the easy one.

A U.S. government shutdown has begun, and it could impact travel plans, with potential airport delays and cancellations.

Shortages at U.S. grocery stores have grown more acute in recent weeks.

NEW YORK – Looking for toilet paper? Supermarket chains Kroger and Publix are limiting how much toilet paper and paper towels shoppers can buy after demand spiked recently. And Amazon is sold out of most disinfectant wipes and paper towels. The biggest supply issue seems to be paper products: 21% of shelves that stock paper towels and toilet paper are empty, the highest level in at least a month, according to market research company IRI. Amazon said its working with manufacturers to get items such as disinfecting wipes, paper towels and hand sanitizer in stock.