A federal government shutdown is just hours away unless a deal is reached to avert it and federal agencies are scrambling to educate workers about how a shutdown will work.

The streets of D.C. could look a lot different next week if the federal government shuts down.

Business owners and local leaders in Northern Virginia are preparing for the effects of a possible federal government shutdown on the local economy.

We could see a government shutdown this weekend if lawmakers fail to negotiate a way to fund the U.S. government by midnight Friday.

With a federal government shut down looming, it would be business as usual for animals at the National Zoo, but not for 30 percent of the zoo's staff and 100 percent of zoo visitors.

Time is running out as both Democrats and Republicans continue to work toward a budget agreement.

Here are what some people are saying about the possibility of a government shutdown:

The looming possibility of a shutdown of the federal government could have a huge impact on our local economy. Some businesses are preparing for the worst.

In Virginia, Rep. Jim Moran (D-Va.) is holding an emergency town hall to discuss the impact of a government shutdown on his district.

A government shutdown could be on the way if lawmakers can't reach a deal on long overdue legislation to finance the government by Friday.

In the District, leaders are warning residents to brace for a huge drop-off in city services if the federal government shuts down.