It took three full weeks — 21 days — for President Bill Clinton and the Republican Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich to settle an impasse that partially shut down the government in 1995-96. That particular moment is a landmark in U.S. political history, birthing a new era of American gridlock that arguably led to the sharp partisanship that has gripped the nation — and delivered a new record for a partial government shutdown, marking Day 22 on Saturday.

The longest-serving US House minority leader has died. Peoria native and former House Republican Leader Bob Michel died at an Arlington, Virginia Hospital of pneumonia Friday. He was 93. The Illinois lawmaker was first elected in 1956 and spent 38 years in Congress. His skill at seeking compromise with the Democrats was critical in helping Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush pursue their agendas during their presidential terms.