THE DEADLINE is Tuesday at midnight (Shutterstock).

A shutdown of the federal government – except for emergency functions – is becoming more likely.
The Associated Press reports that a meeting on Monday of Congressional leaders with President Donald Trump in the White House showed no meaningful progress.

The deadline is Tuesday at midnight. Unless both houses of Congress pass a spending bill that gets signed by President Donald Trump, the U.S. government will be out of business with no money to pay its bills.

A sticking point is a resolution to extend health care benefits; neither Democrats or Republicans seemed ready to compromise, according to the AP.

Democrats want to extend tax credits under the Affordable Care Act (“Obamacare’), benefits which will expire at the end of 2025. Republicans say they are open to extending the credits, but want the spending bill approved before taking that issue up.

A minimum of 60 Senators are needed to vote for a temporary spending bill, but Republicans only have control of 51 seats to 48 Democrats (including two independents who caucus with Democrats) and one vacancy.

Cease-fire for Palestine … maybe

FLAGS of Israel and Hamas (Shutterstock).

A plan to stop the combat between Israelis forces and Hamas soldiers has been approved by three key leaders … but not by Hamas.

President Donald Trumps’ plan is supported by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the government of the Palestinian Authority.

However, Hamas has not been part of the negotiations for a cease-fire and has already voiced objections, according to the AP and The New York Times.

Sports: Dodgers begin fall journey

The Los Angeles Dodgers, defending World Series champs, will begin the 2025 MLB playoffs on Tuesday hosting the Cincinnati Reds in a best-of-three series.

• The Los Angeles Rams (3-1) begin the week in a three-way tie for the NFC West lead with the San Francisco 49ers and Seattle Seahawks. The Los Angeles Chargers (3-1) remain in first alone in the AFC West.

Weather: A little bit warmer …

The mercury should be creeping a little bit higher as we move toward the weekend in our West Orange County cities. The forecast for Tuesday is for a daytime high of 76 with and overnight low of 64. The sky will be cloudy. Wednesday will be similar at 76 (63) and partly cloudy. Thursday and Friday will warm to 78 (65) and – guess what? – partly cloudy.