The shutdown is expected to shave 0.1 to 0.2 percentage points of annualized inflation-GDP growth per week.
by Glenn Mollette, Guest Commentator
Glenn Mollette
The American government shutdown impacts about 1.4 million federal workers, with roughly 700,000 furloughed and another 700,000 deemed essential continuing to work without pay. This number doesn’t include the 42 million Americans who rely on SNAP benefits.
About 13,000 air traffic controllers and about 50,000 TSA officers are currently working without pay. Once the government shutdown ends they will receive their pay. Most Americans live paycheck to paycheck so this is a tough time.
The shutdown is expected to shave 0.1 to 0.2 percentage points of annualized inflation-GDP growth per week. It’s also delaying the release of economic data, which could make it harder for the Federal Reserve to make informed decisions on interest and monetary policy. However, many economists believe the negative effects will be temporary and will be recovered when normal operations resume.
The major holdup is that Democrats want a spending plan that includes an extension of Covid-19 pandemic-era enhanced Obamacare subsidies. Republicans want a spending bill first, and then they’ll talk about the extension of those subsidies.
During the government shutdown, the average US congressman makes around $14,500 per month. Their annual salary is $174,000. They will also receive government health insurance. They will receive their ongoing matching contributions paid into their retirement plan by the government, paid time off, free gym membership and other perks.
US Congress members still receive salaries during a shutdown because the 27th Amendment to the Constitution prevents congressional pay raises or decreases during their current term. Their salaries come from a permanent appropriation that isn’t tied to annual spending bills. They are considered essential workers, even though they’re not directly affected by the shutdown like other federal workers.
Most Americans think it’s unfair for Congress to get paid during a shutdown while federal workers don’t. Many argue it’s hypocritical and unjust. However, there are several members of Congress who reportedly have chosen to not receive their pay until the shutdown is resolved.
During the shutdown, Americans can contact their representatives to express concerns. Donate to charities helping furloughed workers. Participate in peaceful protests/rallies. Support local businesses and national parks. Volunteer for organizations helping federal workers. Stay informed through credible news sources. Reach out to neighbors who are federal workers to offer help. Vote at the upcoming election.
About the author ~
Glen Mollett is the author of 13 books including Uncommom Sense, the Spiritual Chocolate series, Grandpa's Store, Minister's Guidebook insights from a fellow minister. His column is published weekly in over 600 publications in all 50 states.
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The views expressed are those of the author and are not necessarily representative of any other group or organization. We welcome comments and views from our readers. Submit your letters to the editor or commentary on a current event 24/7 to editor@oursentinel.com.
Unity edged Monticello 21-20 in a dramatic Class 3A playoff rematch at Hicks Field. The Rockets sealed the victory on a last-second interception by Tre Hoggard.
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
Unity's Tre Hoggard makes a leaping catch in front of a pass intended for Monticello's Jake Robinson on a two-point conversion attempt by the Sages. The snag by Hoggard as time expired ended the game with the Rockets on top 21-20 and advancing to the Class 3A quarterfinals.
TOLONO — The atmosphere was as electric and palpable as expected from the opening kickoff to the final interception that sealed Unity’s one-point victory over Monticello (8-3) at Hicks Field in their Class 3A second-round playoff game on Saturday. In a gritty, hard-fought battle, the Rockets avenged last year’s semifinal loss at Monticello with a dramatic finish of their own, winning 21-20 in a finale for the ages.
Unity, which advanced to the state quarterfinals for the fifth consecutive season and the 18th time in program history, will play at Williamsville (11-0) at 2 p.m. next Saturday.
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
Monticello's Zeke Young goes up for a pass between Unity defensive backs Tyler Henry and Adam Reedy early in the second half of their playoff game.
The matchup between the rival Illini Prairie Conference programs was a classic gridiron struggle filled with big plays and momentum swings on a gray, overcast day. Fueled by determination, athleticism, and sound fundamentals on both sides, “epic” might have been an understatement.
“Monticello is a great team with a great game plan,” Unity head coach Tony Reetz said. “We knew they would give us everything we could handle. They did a great job of making long drives and keeping our offense off the field. We never really got the field flipped the way we wanted. Hats off to them.”
Monticello senior quarterback Nolan Buehnerkemper’s swan song was bittersweet. The 6-foot-2, 185-pound senior played quarterback, safety and kicker, seemingly everywhere for the Sages. He completed 24 of 35 passes for 363 yards and two touchdowns.
Buehnerkemper scored Monticello’s first touchdown on a 1-yard plunge that gave the Sages a 7-0 lead with 5:56 left in the first quarter. Just over two minutes later, he connected with Zeke Young on a 75-yard touchdown strike, stunning the heavily favored Rockets with a 14-0 advantage.
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
Crewe Eckstein pushes Sages' Drake Weeks away on his way to the tying touchdown before the end of the first half. The senior ran for 157 yards on 25 touches.
Down two scores at the start of the second quarter, Unity responded immediately. On the first play of the quarter, Tre Hoggard ran nine yards for a touchdown. With 6:16 left in the half, Crewe Eckstein found the corner of the west end zone for another score. Kicker Ty Rodems converted both extra points to tie the game 14-14 at halftime.
“A lot of respect to them. They are a good team,” Eckstein said after posing for photos with friends. The senior finished with 157 yards on 26 carries. “They filled all their gaps. They hustle and they play hard.”
Neither team scored in the third quarter as both defenses stood firm.
Unity took a 21-14 lead with 9:41 left in the fourth quarter on a 1-yard quarterback sneak by Dane Eisenmenger.
“We were all clicking in the second half. The first half was a little iffy,” senior defensive back Coleton Langendorf said. “But we picked it up in the second half.”
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
Unity's Keegan Germano tries to fold Monticello tight end Jake Robinson in half with a solid tackle during third quarter action. Teammate Coleton Langendorf said Germano delivered an outstanding effort on defense for the Rockets. "He was just flying around everywhere. He was making things happen," Langendorf said singing praises.
Monticello didn’t back down. With less than nine seconds remaining, Buehnerkemper found Heyden Ramano, who scooped the pass just inches above the ground for a touchdown to make it 21-20.
Instead of kicking the extra point to force overtime, Monticello head coach Cully Welter made the gutsy decision to go for two. Buehnerkemper threw over the middle to senior Jake Robinson, but before the ball could reach his neon-gloved fingertips, Hoggard leapt into the air and intercepted it — ending the Sages’ season and sending Unity to the quarterfinals.
“When the ball touched my finger, it was amazing,” Hoggard said. “I just knew the game was over.”
Not bad for a player who hadn’t played defense all year but stepped in for an injured teammate in the Sages' last drive in the third quarter. He was on the field for just six plays, but his presence made the difference.
“It feels good. I wouldn’t say I was responsible for the win. There are others on our team who stepped up when they needed to. Defense stepped up in the fourth quarter for sure.”
After the game, Monticello players, even after a heartbreaking loss, displayed an impressive level of class, sportsmanship and conference camaraderie during postgame handshakes, telling their opponents, “Go get the big win.”
“They were wishing us good luck,” Eckstein said. “A lot of respect to those guys. They are all nice. They are all great.”
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
Desmond Winfrey and Coleton Langendor celebrate a defensive stop in the third quarter. The Rockets move on in the Class 3A bracket with a roadtrip to Williamsville next Saturday.
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Tags: Unity Rockets Class 3A football playoffs, Monticello Sages vs Unity playoff game recap, Illinois high school football quarterfinal preview, Unity football Hicks Field Tolono Illinois, IHSA Class 3A playoff highlights 2025
Champaign-Urbana's annual professional hard-court tennis tournament starts today at Atkins Tennis Center.
CHAMPAIGN - The annual Paine Schwartz Partners Challenger is underway at the Atkins Tennis Center in Champaign, bringing professional men’s tennis back to central Illinois as part of the ATP Challenger Tour. The indoor hard-court tournament runs November 9–16 and features a mix of emerging talents and seasoned tour veterans competing for valuable ATP ranking points.
Today's opening draw for the the Paine Schwartz Partners Challenger starts at 10 a.m. Winners from these matches will advance to the main draw, which begins early this week and is expected to feature several ATP Top 200 players.
Among the challengers are University of Illinois players Jeremy Zhang and Mathis Debru, who take the court in today's qualifying singles round at Atkins Tennis Center. Both Fighting Illini players will start their run on the Schwartz Court.
General admission is $10 per person.
Hosted at the University of Illinois’ premier tennis facility, the Champaign Challenger continues to serve as a key late-season stop on the U.S. circuit, offering players a final chance to improve rankings before year’s end and giving local fans an up-close look at future stars of the sport. Follow the tournament online for the Paine Schwartz daily draw.
Sunday, November 9 Schedule
Starting at 10 a.m. on the Schwartz Court:
[3] Jacob BRUMM (USA) VS [Alt] Drew VAN ORDERLAIN (USA)
Starting at 10 a.m. on the Goldenberg Court:
Pranav KUMAR (USA) vs [7] Ryan FISHBACK (USA)
Followed by:
[WC] Marcel LATAK (USA) vs [8] Noah SCHACHTER (USA)
[1] Lui MAXTED (GBR) vs Preston BROWN (USA)
[WC] Jeremy ZHANG (AUS) vs [11] Enzo WALLART (USA)
[4] Shunsuke MITSUI (JPN) vs [WC] Benedict GRAFT (USA)
Ozan BARIS (USA) vs [10] Ryan SEGGERMAN (USA)
[Alt] Tom HANDS (GBR) vs [9] Maik STEINER (GER)
[5] Peter BERTRAN (DOM) vs [Alt] Taym AL AZMEH (GER)
[2] Quinn VANDECASTEELE vs [Alt] Alex KOBELT (USA)
[6] Pablo MARTINEZ GOMEZ (ESP) VS [WC] Mathis DEBRU (FRA)
Noah ZAMORA (USA) Vs [12] Brandon PEREZ (VEN)
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Tags: Paine Schwartz Partners Challenger Champaign 2025, ATP Challenger Tour Illinois tennis tournament, Atkins Tennis Center Champaign tennis matches, professional men’s indoor hard court tennis, University of Illinois ATP Challenger event, emerging ATP tennis players in Champaign
In a month marked by remembrance and gratitude, we revisit stories that defined our region — local sports state championship runs, celebrating Thanksgiving, and spotlighting moments of unity, resilience, and spirited debate.
From local news, features, and community events to politics, and Opinion-Editorial viewpoints, discover archived posts published on November 9 in previous years, offering a rich tapestry of life in Champaign County and the broader community, curated by The Sentinel. Here are the headlines from local news, sports, community events, and editorial viewpoints in and around Champaign-Urbana.
Featured photo on this day ~
Urbana University's Stefania Dzhaman runs to the finish line behind Eureka's Meika Bender in the Class 1A Cross Country State Finals on Saturday. Dzhaman, a senior, finished her run at 19:42.85. See more local athletes in action at the 2021 IHSA state cross country meet.
The Heyworth Hornets capped off an outstanding football season today, concluding their impressive playoff run against a formidable Stockton Blackhawks squad in the IHSA Class 1A Second Round. While the final scoreboard, Stockton 26, Heyworth 3, did not fall the Hornets' way, it cannot overshadow the tremendous accomplishments of this team and its community.
The Hornets fought hard, earning a valuable field goal and demonstrating the resilience and tenacity that defined their path to the second round. Playing against the number one seed is a testament to the level of success Heyworth achieved this year—a season marked by tenacity, skill, and the unified spirit of the entire town.
To the players, coaches, and the loyal Heyworth faithful: hold your heads high. You competed fiercely and represented your school with honor and pride. This deep run into the playoffs establishes a strong foundation and raises the bar for the program's future. The entire Heyworth community can look back on this season with immense pride. This is not an ending, but a springboard for even greater things to come.
Tags: GCMS Falcons Heart of Illinois Medium Division title, Ridgeview vs GCMS high school football highlights, Central Illinois high school football championship game, Alan Look Photography sports action shots, Senior Night high school football game
In a 6-3 decision Tuesday, the U.S. Supreme Court left in place a lower court order barring President Donald Trump from deploying Nationa...
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On This Day
Discover the headlines published on each of these days from our news and sports coverage from Champaign‑Urbana and the wider community. From local news and sports to community events, politics, and opinion pieces, The Sentinel archives capture the stories that shaped life in Champaign County year after year.
by Glenn Mollette, Guest Commentator
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In a month marked by remembrance and gratitude, we revisit stories that defined our region — local sports state championship runs, celebrating Thanksgiving, and spotlighting moments of unity, resilience, and spirited debate.
From local news, features, and community events to politics, and Opinion-Editorial viewpoints, discover archived posts published on November 9 in previous years, offering a rich tapestry of life in Champaign County and the broader community, curated by The Sentinel. Here are the headlines from local news, sports, community events, and editorial viewpoints in and around Champaign-Urbana.
