麻豆约拍

A partial US government shutdown over budget spending could drag on beyond Christmas, according to President Trump's budget director. Natalie Andrews at the Wall Street Journal explains the implications for workers, and the wider economy.

Zambia's mining sector has warned that a proposed increase in taxes to help the country reduce its mounting debt pile will cost the industry tens of thousands of jobs. Sokwani Chilembo, chief executive of the Zambia Chamber of Mines, tells us why.

Also in the programme, it's been 40 years since the classic album War of the Worlds was released, Jeff Wayne, its composer, tells us how the music business has changed.

And, as Christmas Day approaches, we explore just how much it costs to spread the commercial holiday cheer.

Picture: A sign is displayed at the National Archives building that is closed because of the shutdown in Washington (Credit: Getty Images)