We want to know how the government shutdown is affecting you in NC. Tell us here

By News & Observer staff

Updated October 3, 2025 1:10 PM

Government shutdown impact in NC

The government shut down Oct. 1, 2025, as Republicans and Democrats are locked in a stalemate over funding the federal government. Here are stories about how the impasse is affecting North Carolina, from paychecks and furloughs to shuttered services.

Expand All

The federal government shut down Wednesday, Oct. 1, with Republicans and Democrats locked in a stalemate over funding.

Federal workers across the country — including at least 140,000 in North Carolina — won’t receive their paychecks during the shutdown. Officials have not yet said who is considered “essential,” or those who must continue to work without a paycheck, and whether furloughed workers could eventually lose their jobs.

Earlier this week, Democratic Gov. Josh Stein said 200 state employees who are paid through federal funds would be furloughed. The number could rise if the shutdown continues.

Meanwhile, other services and programs could be halted, and morale among federal workers continues to suffer following budget and employee cuts earlier this year.

We’ve been working to learn how the shutdown could have an impact in North Carolina, and we want to hear from you about how the shutdown is affecting your life.

Are you a government worker who has been furloughed?
Are you worried about how you’ll pay your bills?
Have you lost access to a federally funded program?

Please get in touch with our journalists so we can inform the public. Your stories will help provide a clearer, more personal picture of how the actions in Washington are trickling to the state.

Please fill out the form below or send your story to an editor at metroeds@newsobserver.com.

What you share will not be published unless a reporter has gotten in touch with you and received your permission. We will not share your name or details without your permission. Prior to any interview, you and our reporter can discuss the conditions to ensure your safety and comfort.

Thank you for your participation.

This story was originally published October 3, 2025 at 12:52 PM.

Jessica Banov

The News & Observer

919-829-4831

Jessica Banov is a news editor and audience growth specialist at The News & Observer and The Herald-Sun. She was part of the team from The N&O and The Charlotte Observer that was named a 2025 Pulitzer Prize finalist for Breaking News for coverage of Hurricane Helene. She also serves as The N&O’s intern program coordinator.