The federal government officially shut down at midnight after lawmakers failed to approve funding. Across the Carolinas, nonessential workers at agencies like IRS, HHS, and National Park Service face furloughs and delayed paychecks. Essential personnel — such as military and TSA staff — must continue working, though they may not be paid immediately if the shutdown drags on.

Programs like SNAP and WIC could run out of funds, threatening benefits for low-income households. However, Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid payments are protected and will continue. The U.S. Postal Service will also keep operating, because it relies on its own revenue sources.

In North Carolina, an estimated 51,900 federal employees work outside the military. Meanwhile, the Office of State Human Resources anno

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