On Wednesday's Backchat, we looked back at the US government shutdown. Senate approved a compromise that would end the longest government shutdown in US history. Millions of needy Americans faced not getting food benefits and thousands of federal workers were unpaid, while the aviation sector plunged into a crisis. The bill, which is a temporary package, will now be signed by US President Donald Trump. We talked to experts about whether this will lead to a permanent solution, or if another shutdown could be around the corner. 

After the break, we heard from the Managing Director of Ngong Ping 360 about a new hiking pass that promotes green tourism in Lantau. 

We also learned about a new mental health support hotline launched by the government, and wrapped up the programme with a look at the city's newest cultural venue that integrates arts and technology - the East Kowloon Cultural Centre in Ngau Tau Kok. 

9:05am-9:30am: US government shutdown ends

Speakers: 

Jeffrey Swartz, Professor at the Cooley School of Law; former Florida judge and prosecutor

Josef Gregory Mahoney, Professor of Politics and International Relations, East China Normal University (Shanghai)

9:32am-9:47am: Ngong Ping 360 hiking pass

Speaker: 

James Tung, Managing Director of Ngong Ping 360

9:47am-9:50am: Upgraded 18111 hotline

Speaker:

Johnson Leung, hotline coordinator at the St James' Settlement

9:50am-10:00am: East Kowloon Cultural Centre officially opened

Speaker: 

Carrie Lo, Chief Manager of the East Kowloon Cultural Centre