Government Shutdown Ends; Night of One-Act Plays

Good morning, Northport. Here's a look at what you should know about today.

• It's official. The U.S. Senate voted 81-18 Wednesday night to end the 16-day government shutdown. The House then voted 285 to 144 to approve the Senate plan, which will funds the government through mid-January. It will also raise the debt limit through Feb. 7, 2014.

• Congressman Steve Israel (D-Dix Hills) spoke with Anderson Cooper after the vote and said that he wants for Congress to find a "middle ground" and move forward with issues such as Medicare, jobs, immigration and balancing its budgets responsibly. We'll have more on this story later this morning.

• Bare Bones Theater presents a night of one-act plays tonight. Audiences will enjoy high-quality comedy, suspense and drama in the performances of "Don't Forget to Write," written and directed by Long Island resident Christopher Hackert; "Your Life is a Feature Film," by Alan Minieri and directed by Stan Katz; and "Specter," by Don Nigro and directed by Richie Applebaum. For tickets, visit http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/455291.