The nearly two-and-a half week government shutdown cost the U.S. economy some $24 billion, according to an estimate by financial company Standard & Poor’s. Similarly, market research firm Moody’s Analytics came up with a nearly identical number of $23 billion, or $1.4375 billion per day.

On Tuesday, the Irish government announced plans to close a major tax loophole that had allowed Apple to avoid paying $40 billion in taxes.

The Irish tax loophole allowed firms to shelter profits by using “ghost companies.” These so-called “ghost companies” do not declare residency in any country, thereby avoiding paying taxes to any nation.

There are many who are downplaying concerns about the October 17 deadline for approving a routine measure that allows the U.S. to manage its finances and pay the bills it already owes. Without approving an increase in the debt ceiling, it will be difficult for the U.S. federal government to pay its bills on time – likely leading to default. Because of the central role these regular payments play in the U.S. and global financial system, many experts say a default on U.S.

The House is expected to vote – perhaps as early as this afternoon – on the Deficit Reduction and Economic Growth Working Group Act of 2013 (H.R.3273), a bill that would establish a committee of ten House members and ten Senate members charged with making recommendations to resolve the current stalemate over the government shutdown and looming debt ceiling crisis.