Government shutdown poses increasing risk to wider economy

WASHINGTON (AP) — As the government shutdown enters a second month, economists say it could pose a threat to the wider economy.
The biggest effect is likely to be the cutback in federal spending. But consumer spending is another important factor.
When government employees spend less, stores and restaurants that serve them suffer. So do landlords and lenders that do business with federal workers. Spending and growth will probably rebound once the government reopens, but most of the restaura