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By Jamie Ross Listen to this briefing Good morning. It’s Friday, March 14, and there is once again some gloomy economic news. If you’re worried about a recession, take these steps to prepare. Now let’s catch up. Congress has hours left to avert a federal government shutdown. The deadline: The government is set to shut down at 12:01 a.m. Eastern unless senators pass a Republican bill to keep it open. The bill won some key Democratic support yesterday. The blame game: Democrats fear they would be criticized for forcing a shutdown. But blame would mostly land with Republicans and President Donald Trump, a new poll found. Read this story          Trump officials were ordered to rehire thousands of fired federal workers. Why? Two judges found legal issues with layoffs of probationary workers. Meanwhile, firings at the Education Department are continuing — that may impact your student loans. In other news: One stock index sank into correction territory (a key landmark) after Trump threatened tariffs on wine. Republicans seem increasingly concerned by Trump’s moves. Last night: Vice President JD Vance was booed at the Kennedy Center — watch here. Read this story          Trump asked the Supreme Court to allow a birthright citizenship ban in some states. The issue: Trump wants to end the automatic granting of citizenship to anyone born on U.S. soil. Lower courts blocked his nationwide ban, so he asked for it to partly take effect. In New York: Ninety-eight people were arrested at Trump Tower while protesting attempts to deport pro-Palestinian demonstrator and green-card holder Mahmoud Khalil. Read this story          U.S. intelligence cast doubt on Russia’s willingness to end its war against Ukraine. How? President Vladimir Putin hasn’t veered from his goal of dominating Ukraine, the reports found. They underscore the tough task facing Trump as he seeks a peace deal. What does Putin want? To keep hold of about one-fifth of Ukraine that Russia controls — we listed his demands here. But he must also avoid angering his hard-line supporters. Read this story          An American Airlines plane caught fire at Denver International Airport yesterday. What happened? The flight from Colorado Springs was diverted to Denver after the crew reported engine vibrations, the FAA said. The plane caught fire while taxiing to a gate. The evacuation: Video posted on social media showed people exiting onto a wing as smoke filled the air. Twelve people were taken to hospitals with minor injuries. Read this story          Microplastics appear to be disrupting the growth of plants. What are microplastics? Tiny particles that are almost everywhere — including in your liver, blood and even your brain. Eat and drink fewer of them by following these simple tips. What’s new? Microplastics seem to be slashing photosynthesis rates worldwide, a study found. That could have a dramatic impact on essential crops like wheat, corn and rice. Read this story          ADVERTISEMENT   A U.S. influencer sparked outrage in Australia by snatching a baby wombat. What to know: In a 34-second clip, a woman is seen holding the joey as its mother follows them. The account that posted the video identifies her a wildlife biologist from Montana. The fallout: The clip went viral, prompting anger from Australia’s prime minister and a petition calling for the influencer’s deportation. She left Australia this morning.   Read this story          Before you go … don’t use newspaper to clean windows: Ten cleaning myths, debunked. Plus: How professional cleaners deal with their own mess. One more good read: The best of John Feinstein, the groundbreaking Post sports journalist who passed away this week. And finally … end your week by playing On the Record, The Post’s quotable quiz. The weekend version is 10 questions, and you can risk all your points on a final bonus question. Ready to play? Click here. Or try our word games, Keyword and the brand-new Wridges. You’re all caught up. See you Monday.