NASA has updated its Continuity of Appropriations Plan to ensure an orderly shutdown of activities in case of a lapse in funding, as mandated by OMB Circular A-11, effective September 29, 2025.
Despite a federal government shutdown, Social Security retirement, survivor, and disability payments will continue to be issued to over 74 million people each month, and applying for benefits remains possible, as the Social Security Administration maintains critical operations and a contingency plan.
The San Francisco 49ers had considered luring Philip Rivers out of retirement as an emergency quarterback during the 2020 season, and now, with Tom Brady expressing openness to a potential return under the right circumstances, the 49ers or any team in a similar desperate situation late in the season could consider reaching out to the seven-time Super Bowl champion as a contingency plan. This comes after the 49ers faced quarterback injuries and had to resort to signing veteran Josh Johnson during the 2022 season.
The NHL is reportedly working on a contingency plan that could result in the Arizona Coyotes being relocated to Salt Lake City as early as next season, amid uncertainty about the team's future in Arizona. Prospective owner Ryan Smith has solicited suggestions for a new team name, and the league has been preparing two schedule drafts for next season in case of a potential move. The Coyotes' latest plans involve a 95-acre parcel of land in north Phoenix, with an auction set for June 27, while Salt Lake City already has an existing arena and ownership plan for a temporary home until a new building is constructed.
The Pittsburgh Penguins announced that the shipment of Jaromir Jagr bobbleheads was stolen after arriving in California, and as a result, fans attending the game will not receive the bobbleheads. Instead, they will receive a voucher to redeem for the bobblehead at a later date. The team is working with authorities to locate the stolen shipment and plans to announce the pickup details at a later date.
Egypt is reportedly setting up an area at the Gaza border to potentially shelter Palestinians in case of an Israeli offensive into Rafah, despite Cairo denying such preparations. Israel plans to evacuate civilians from Rafah to other parts of the Gaza Strip, while the United States opposes any displacement of Palestinians from Gaza. The situation has strained relations between Egypt and Israel, with concerns over the fate of the people sheltering in Rafah becoming an international concern.
As 77% of adults ages 50 and up aim to stay in their homes long term, experts emphasize the importance of making necessary improvements and upgrades to support aging in place. These upgrades, such as an aging-friendly bathroom and accessible entryways, can range from $30,000 to $80,000, but are a one-time cost compared to the annual median cost of a nursing home. It's advised to start planning for aging in place early, consider function over design, enlist professional help, and have a financial and contingency plan in place.
A potential government shutdown may result in the closure of services and facilities at national parks like Joshua Tree, but the parks themselves will remain physically accessible to the public. The National Park Service will continue activities necessary to protect life and property, including law enforcement, emergency response, fire suppression, and protection of federal lands.
Social Security payments will continue to be made even if the federal government shuts down, as they are mandatory spending and funded by a trust fund. The Social Security Administration's field offices and call center will remain open for assistance, and activities critical to direct-service operations and timely payment of benefits will continue. However, some services like benefit verifications and replacing Medicare cards may be temporarily suspended. While the impact on Social Security payments during a shutdown is minimal, the agency's already strained customer service may be further affected due to staffing shortages.
The IRS may be able to continue working even if the federal government shuts down on October 1, thanks to additional funding it received in 2022. The agency's contingency plan states that it will not experience a lapse in appropriations, and normal operations will continue for its 83,000 employees. However, the IRS still faces challenges as its annual appropriations remain uncertain, and there is a difference of $1.1 billion between the House and Senate on how much funding the agency should receive in fiscal year 2024. Previous shutdowns have forced the IRS to significantly reduce its operations, but the agency's fiscal position and additional funding may help mitigate the impact this time.
Salaried workers who are not represented by a union can be required to cross a picket line during a labor strike, and refusing to do so may result in termination. However, if white-collar workers are unionized and have a clause in their contract allowing them to not cross a picket line, they are protected. Companies like Ford Motor Co. have been training salaried workers to assume blue-collar jobs in case of a strike, which some experts believe is a smart strategy, while others argue it can damage the relationship between the company and the union. The decision to cross a picket line is often seen as a matter of solidarity among union members, and refusing to do so can have practical and strategic implications in future labor negotiations.
Salaried workers who are not represented by a union can be required to cross a picket line during a labor strike, and refusing to do so may result in termination. However, if white-collar workers are unionized and have a clause in their contract allowing them to not cross a picket line, they are protected. Companies like Ford Motor Co. have been training salaried workers to assume the jobs of blue-collar workers in case of a strike, which has raised concerns about the impact on worker relationships and product quality. The decision to cross a picket line or not can be complicated for families with both white-collar and blue-collar workers, as it may break solidarity or provide necessary income during a work stoppage. Union members often refuse to cross other picket lines out of solidarity and the hope for reciprocity in future strikes.
The 2023 Rochester Air Show may experience rain and storms during the weekend, but it will not be canceled if it's only raining. Performers have different routines for various weather conditions, and displays and vendor booths will still be available. In the case of storms, VIP reserved parking attendees will go to their cars on-site, and everyone else will be moved inside the hangar. No ticket refunds will be given if the air show is canceled.
Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati has assured fans that the Taylor Swift concert will go on rain or shine, with plans in place to continue the show even in the event of rain. The only factor that would halt the concert is lightning, in which case the stadium would use video messaging boards to communicate with fans. While a weather contingency plan has not been released, fans are advised to come prepared for potential storms with raincoats and ponchos.
The Treasury Department is reportedly preparing to implement a contingency plan, crafted after the 2011 borrowing-limit standoff, to change how federal agencies' payments are processed if Congress fails to raise the debt ceiling by the June 1 deadline. The plan includes using the trillion-dollar coin, premium bonds, and the 14th Amendment to avert disaster.