MORNING HEADLINES | The federal government shut down at midnight Tuesday after a deadlocked Congress failed to reach a deal with the White House on funding before the beginning of the new fiscal year.
The consequences of a shutdown will be sweeping across the country, resulting in widespread ramifications for hundreds of programs. It also will give an avenue to the Trump administration to fire more federal workers.
Millions of federal workers are set to suffer financial hardship as many will be furloughed or work without pay. Those deemed essential, such as Transportation Security Administration agents and military personnel, will be forced to work without pay. Other jobs not deemed essential, such as people who work in national parks, are likely to be furloughed.
Federal workers traditionally get back pay when shutdowns end, but contractors and others whose businesses depend on the federal government won’t. Other impacts:
Social Security checks and the U.S. mail will still be delivered.
Seniors who rely on Medicare coverage can still see their doctors and health care providers, submit claims for payment and be reimbursed.
Veterans Affairs medical centers and outpatient clinics will be open, and VA benefits will continue to be processed and delivered, but some delays and disruptions may occur.
In Charleston, the shutdown will disrupt local services, as most government offices are temporarily shut down. Area national parks such as Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie are expected to close.
- CONSIDER A DONATION: “Fall” into the City Paper with donation. We’re about three weeks into our fall fundraising campaign, which has raised more than $10,000 so far. Help us reach our $25,000 goal by donating $25 — or even $100 — to support independent journalism at the Charleston City Paper. Your help is appreciated.
In other recent headlines
S.C. senators to consider total abortion ban bill. The S.C. Senate Medical Affairs subcommittee is meeting on Wednesday for a public hearing on a proposal that would totally ban abortions after conception. The new bill changes the definition of abortion, conception and contraception and removes the exceptions for rape and incest.
CP NEWS: Rare U.S. showing of Rembrandt works to debut in U.S. at Gibbes. The Gibbes Museum of Art has landed the inaugural stop next month of a high-profile tour of etchings of 17th-century Dutch master Rembrandt, marking the first time the works have traveled out of the Netherlands to the U.S. as a collection.
Charleston parking garage rate increase. New rates for downtown Charleston parking garages are $1 per 20 minutes, $24 daily max and $50 for lost ticket fee.
Charleston Co. moves forward with potential future transportation tax. Charleston County Council is considering a future transportation sales tax that would extend a current half-cent tax. That tax is set to expire in 2027. Putting a new tax referendum on the 2026 ballot would be a round two following the failure of half-penny tax in 2024.
- Charleston Co. approves $635K grant for affordable housing
- Recreational oyster and clam harvesting season opens in S.C. waters
North Charleston fifth graders publish poetry book. “Portraits: Our Untold Stories,” a student poetry anthology written by fifth graders at Pinehurst Elementary School in North Charleston, includes the stories of 150 fifth graders.
Help keep the City Paper free.
No paywalls.
No subscription cost.
Free delivery at 800 locations.
Help support independent journalism by donating today.