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"Possible Government Shutdown, Early Cancer Detection, Lunar Mystery Unraveled - The Onslow Insider"
"Possible Government Shutdown, Early Cancer Detection, Lunar Mystery Unraveled - The Onslow Insider"
"Possible Government Shutdown, Early Cancer Detection, Lunar Mystery Unraveled - The Onslow Insider"
Don't Miss Out on the Latest in Government Shutdowns, Cancer Testing, and Lunar Mysteries in this Week's Onslow Insider Newsletter! 🌟
Roy Shipley
Jan 8, 2026
January 8, 2026 |
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Quote Of The Day |
"If you want something you’ve never had, you must be willing to do something you’ve never done.” – Thomas Jefferson |
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OF INTEREST |
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Is Another Government Shutdown on the Horizon? |
by Roy Shipley
As the new year begins, another potential government shutdown looms just weeks away on January 30, 2026. In November 2025, Congress ended the longest shutdown in U.S. history - a 43-day impasse - by funding select areas like SNAP food aid, the Department of Agriculture, Veterans Affairs, and congressional operations through September 2026. However, the deal only provided temporary funding for most federal departments until the end of January, leaving key programs such as the National Flood Insurance Program and certain Medicare extenders at risk of expiration.
Lawmakers from both parties express optimism about averting a repeat crisis. Senate leaders Chuck Schumer and John Thune have signaled a commitment to advancing appropriations bills, with contingency planning underway. President Trump has taken a firm stance against concessions, emphasizing no tolerance for "extortion" in negotiations. Recent bipartisan progress suggests momentum toward a deal, though compromises remain critical as the deadline approaches.
The 2025 shutdown served as a stark reminder of the broader consequences. It contributed to economic drags, including delayed federal data affecting interest rate decisions and major disruptions such as $200 million in losses for airlines from airport delays.
In military-heavy communities like Jacksonville, NC - where Marine Corps bases including Camp Lejeune are the largest employer - the furloughs of thousands of civilian workers and unpaid staff created significant local strain, amplifying risks of regional economic contraction similar to impacts seen in areas like D.C., Maryland, and Virginia.
Economists estimate the overall fallout reduced Q4 growth by about 1.5%. Despite these challenges, experts note a positive outlook for 2026, fueled by tax cuts and capital investment incentives that could boost job creation above long-term trends. Officials on Capitol Hill are motivated to avoid back-to-back disruptions in quick succession. |
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New Blood Test Could Catch Ovarian Cancer Early |
A simple new blood test could accurately detect ovarian cancer in its early stages, according to scientists. This could provide a potentially life-saving intervention for women who get the disease. A research team at the University of Manchester trialled the test and found it was able to find tell-tale markers in the blood which are usually hard to detect. The Manchester study ran alongside another in Colorado to test women with early stage symptoms. The test looks for signs of ovarian cancer in those showing vague symptoms of the disease and then uses machine learning to identify patterns in the blood that are consistent with ovarian cancer. In the US trial, the test exhibited an accuracy of 93 percent across all stages of ovarian cancer and 91 percent for early-stage disease. In the UK trial, it also performed well, with an accuracy of 92 percent for all-stages of ovarian cancer and 88 percent for early-stage disease. By any measure, very promising early results.
The joint results have been published in a study with those behind the research saying that the test - developed by diagnostics company AOA - could be a life-saver for the more than 300,000 women diagnosed with ovarian cancer each year.
Prof Emma Crosbie of the University of Manchester said that the test “has the potential to significantly improve patient care and outcomes for women diagnosed with ovarian cancer”. Further trials are now being prepared.
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Why does the same side of the Moon always face Earth? |
Credit: Astronomy Magazine
When the Moon first formed, it was a sea of molten lava. The immense gravity of Earth stretched this molten sea, raising tides on both the near and far sides.
But the Moon was spinning, and that rotation carried the tides away from a direct line pointing toward Earth. So, from Earth’s perspective, there was an extra lump of material sitting slightly on either side of a line connecting the center of Earth with the center of the Moon.
The gravity of Earth tugged on these lumps, trying to bring them back into alignment (i.e., so that the nearer bulge pointed directly at Earth, rather than slightly away). This produced torque, or an additional rotational force, that slowed down the Moon’s rotation.
At first this tugging wasn’t successful because the Moon had more than enough rotational energy to overcome the torque from Earth’s pull and keep spinning. But over time, Earth slowly won and the Moon’s rotation slowed down.
This process continued for millions of years until the lumps — the tides raised by Earth’s gravity — sat permanently on a direct line facing Earth. To achieve this, the rotation of the Moon had to synchronize with its orbit, so that it always presents the same face to Earth.
It wasn’t until Oct. 7, 1959, that the Soviet Luna 3 spacecraft gave humanity its first-ever look at the far side of the Moon. |
This newsletter sponsored by |
Will Be Handy, LLC |
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EVENTS/HAPPENINGS |
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Owl Prowl |
Who gives a hoot? You will learn about some of our owl species, their habitats, and tips of what you can do to help these night watchers.
Optional: Bring your own flashlights to use on the trail.
PROGRAM IS WEATHER DEPENDENT.
Contact park office for program update: 910-326-4881.
Meet on the back deck at the Visitor Center.
WHEN: Tuesday, Jan 13, 2026 - 5 to 6 PM
WHERE: Hammocks Beach State Park
1572 Hammock Beach Rd
Swansboro, NC 28584
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1099 Compliance Check - $195 |
Paid contractors in 2025? Unsure who actually needs a 1099?
I offer a $195 1099 Compliance Check where I:
You can take this summary to your CPA - or I can handle 1099 preparation and filing separately if needed. This helps you avoid missed filings, errors, and last-minute stress.
Get this settled by Jan 15th to ensure you're ready for the Jan 31st filing deadline.
Avoid missed filings and IRS penalties! Click here to email me and get this off your plate before the January rush. |
COMMUNITY CLASSIFIEDS |
Announcements: |
Community Classifieds Are Open! |
Cleaning out the garage, attic, or spare room? Post it in our Community Classifieds and put it in front of 1,000+ local readers.
You can list:
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🕛 Deadline: Classifieds must be submitted by Wednesdays at 12 noon to be included in that week’s edition. It’s fast, affordable, and a great way to connect with your community.
Send inquires to: Onslow Insider |
Open House: |
Homes For Sale: |
For Rent: |
Jobs: |
ONLINE CO-HOST WANTED |
I’m looking for one sharp, warm, camera-ready woman (ages 40–65) to co-host a new live show with me:
What we cover (3 short segments):
Pay & Time Commitment:
Ideal Co-Host:
Interested?
I’ll invite the top 2–3 candidates to a relaxed 15-minute Zoom chat next week.
P.S. The first live show aired on YouTube - Jan 6th. Keep in mind this was the first show and there were mistakes made. That aside, to see what the program is like, the link to the replay is here: Life After 55 Live |
Services: |
Remodels (kitchens, baths, flooring, drywall), custom decks, fence installs/repairs, interior/exterior painting. Local & reliable. Free, no-pressure estimate. Call/Text 910-284-4272. Will Be Handy, LLC |
Bookkeeping - Tax Prep: Tired of guessing where your money went? We specialize in bookkeeping and tax preparation for tradesmen and contractors - including construction, home services, and skilled trades.
✔ Monthly bookkeeping
Stop chasing receipts. Start running your business with clarity. Shipley Bookkeeping Solutions Call/Text: 252-369-8380 |
Yard Sales: |
Miscellaneous: |
We're always on the lookout for news stories, business openings, neighborhood news, events, happenings, and your photos. If you have anything like that - that you would like to contribute - please send to: Onslow Insider
🕛 Deadline: Submissions must be received by us no later than Wednesdays at 12 noon to be included in that week’s edition.
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THE WEEK IN WEATHER |
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💛 Thank You for Reading 💛The Onslow Insider |
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May 2026 be a year of good health, steady progress, strong local connections, and hope for the future. Thank you for starting the year with us.
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