This Afternoon Sunny, with a high near 62. Southwest wind around 6 mph.

Tonight A 10 percent chance of showers after 5am. Increasing clouds, with a low around 44. Light and variable wind.

Saturday A slight chance of showers before 11am, then showers likely after noon. Cloudy, with a high near 56. Calm wind becoming north northwest 5 to 7 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 70%.

Saturday Night Showers likely before 3am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 35. Calm wind. Chance of precipitation is 70%.

Sunday Patchy frost before 8am. Otherwise, mostly sunny, with a high near 56. Calm wind becoming north around 5 mph.

Sunday Night Patchy frost after 3am. Otherwise, mostly clear, with a low around 34. Calm wind.

The U.S. government shutdown continues, with Republican and Democrat lawmakers in Congress no closer to ending their budget standoff. Currently, Republicans control both chambers of Congress.

Democrats are pushing for tax credits that would make health insurance more affordable for millions of Americans and are also seeking a reversal of President Trump’s cuts to Medicaid, a government healthcare program used by millions of elderly, disabled, and low-income individuals. Republicans have stated that they want to negotiate healthcare insurance subsidies separately and only pass what they refer to as a “clean resolution.”

Ending the shutdown requires both parties in the Senate to find a compromise that President Trump will sign.

Not all government functions stop during a shutdown; services deemed essential continue as usual, but most staff are not paid until the government reopens.

Border protection and law enforcement staff, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, as well as hospital medical care workers, are expected to operate normally.

U.S. troops were on track to miss their paychecks in mid-October until the Trump administration found funding to pay them. However, Speaker Mike Johnson warned that this is only a temporary solution, and future payments may not be made.

Funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly known as food stamps, has also run out. The 41 million people enrolled in the program will stop receiving aid on November 1st unless the shutdown ends or Congress intervenes. Social Security and Medicare checks are still being distributed, although benefit verification and cards may be interrupted.

Services like federal mail are still being delivered, and post offices are open because the U.S. Post Office does not rely on Congress for funding. Members of Congress are still receiving their salaries.

Regarding SNAP benefits, Americans may risk missing their November payments, with 1.9 million individuals in Illinois at potential risk, according to statistics from the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis and the Illinois Department of Human Services. Over 3,700 individuals in Massac County will lose their SNAP benefits starting tomorrow, November 1st.

There is a large multi-year contingency fund intended for SNAP recipients. The administration’s interpretation of the law determines whether these funds are released to cover regular benefits during a funding crisis. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program has a dedicated contingency reserve fund, typically holding billions of dollars. Recent reports estimate this fund to be between $5 billion and $6 billion. This fund is meant to cover benefits if the regular annual appropriation is insufficient. Advocates argue that many members of Congress, budget experts, and state governors believe this multi-year contingency fund is legally available and intended to be used to maintain benefits during a government shutdown or other funding crises.

Advocates point out that the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s own pre-shutdown guidelines often stated that SNAP operations would continue by utilizing these funds. However, the administration has claimed that the contingency funds are not legally available for regular monthly benefits once the appropriation for those benefits has lapsed completely. The administration asserts that the fund is reserved for specific emergencies, such as natural disasters.

Wishing all our residents a fun, safe, and spooky Halloween night! Whether you’re trick-or-treating, carving pumpkins, or enjoying fall festivities, have a blast and stay safe out there! 🕸️🍬
Don’t forget to watch out for little ghouls and goblins on the streets!

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Exciting news for the MCHS Marching Band! They have been selected to perform in a parade at the iconic Walt Disney World this June, marking a significant achievement for the talented group. This opportunity is not just a recognition of their hard work and dedication, but also a chance for them to showcase their skills on a grand stage.

In order to make this dream a reality, the band is actively raising funds to help offset the costs for each student. Your support can make a big difference! This Thursday night, as we cheer on our MCHS Football team at the home game, you can help the band by visiting their concession stand.

The band will be selling raffle tickets for a chance to win half of a processed hog and a chest freezer, alongside a delightful selection of baked goods for purchase. Don’t miss out on the chance to grab some sweet treats while supporting this talented group of musicians.

In addition to the raffle and baked goods, the concession stand will feature delicious BBQ Baked Potatoes, and for those looking to warm up, there will be Hot Chocolate and Hot Cider available while supplies last.

We invite everyone to come out for a fantastic night of football, delicious food, and community spirit. Join us in supporting your MCHS Marching Band and help them reach their goal of performing at Disney World. Let’s make this a night to remember!