The federal government shutdown only partially curbs operations. But the longer the shutdown continues, the more likely its impact will be felt. U.S. troops will stay at their posts and mail will get delivered, but almost half of the 2 million civilian federal workers will be barred from doing their jobs if the shutdown extends into Monday. How key parts of the federal government would be affected by a shutdown: ___ INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE A shutdown plan posted on the Treasury Department's website shows that nearly 44 percent of the IRS' 80,565 employees will be exempt from being furloughed during a shutdown. That ... (full story)