The second longest federal shutdown continues to play out, casting more doubt over when lawmakers will come to an agreement.

In metro Detroit, frustration and uncertainty remain for countless federal workers paying for bills, groceries and other costs. The federal shutdown is not the first time many workers have had to cut back on expenses, and some now say this situation poses many new challenges.

Watch Simon Shaykhet's video report below: As federal government shutdown 'getting longer and longer,' workers are feeling the impact

Its getting longer and longer. Its also more challenging for me because I was trying to plan for retirement in the next five years, federal worker Rebecca Clair-Darden said. Shes an employee of tank and automotive command for combat ground systems, a part of the U.S. Army in Warren.

Im having to juggle between saving for furlough, retirement and potential health care costs. I am a single mother of two sons, who I put through college through Parent Plus Loans.

Her story is one of many for those either working without pay or on furlough. Clair-Darden says her last check was less than normal and her next one wont come at all. Shes already cut back on expenses too.

I have a 90-year-old mother in Iowa. This is the time of year when I make a couple trips back to help her get set up, ready for Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid. I had to cancel those trips, she said.

Another voice emerging is that of Zedrick Brown, president of AFGE Local 658.

We have 4,300 to 4,500 bargaining unit employees. Im basically trying to offer resources that our union has and letting them know about unemployment, Brown said.

More than 23 days since the start of the shutdown, there is no resolution in sight. The U.S. House is out of session next week. A level of uncertainty being felt by many in metro Detroit is growing.

This is what is so tragic. A lot of people feeling this pain... and all of our members, they want to come back to work, said Greg Polcyn, vice president of AFGE Local 658.

On the topic of back pay, there is even more concern.

It is a law. I hope that they respect the law. Im trying to stay very positive and motivated that the rules will be followed and we will receive our back pay, Clair-Darden said.

The union says theyre taking steps to pause collection of union dues in the meantime until the shutdown ends.

A nurse formerly employed at Detroits Sinai Grace Hospital, who is facing multiple charges of alleged criminal sexual conduct involving multiple patients, appeared in front of a judge on Thursday for a preliminary exam.

The alarming allegations, dating back months, were at the center of testimony from witnesses taking the stand today.

Watch Simon Shaykhet's video report below: Preliminary exam held for Detroit nurse accused in sexual assault of patients

Ive been following the court hearing all day and heard from attorneys on both sides before a judge decided if a trial is justified.

Defense attorney Debbie Schlussel cross-examined an alleged victim of sexual assault who says she was highly intoxicated when she was violated by nurse Wilfredo Figueroa-Berrios when he was previously employed at Detroits Sinai Grace Hospital.

This preliminary exam in 36th District Court before Judge Tenisha Yancey was a key step for prosecutors to show enough evidence to go to trial for three separate cases involving Figueroa-Berrios.

The prosecutor saying, we have admitted statements, she told a social worker she was inappropriately touched and sexually assaulted.

In addition to a case from August 12, prosecutors argued another case this year where Figueroa-Berrios again is accused of committing criminal sexual assault at the hospital.

Related Story: New lawsuit filed in case of nurse charged with sexually assaulting patient New lawsuit filed in case of nurse charged with sexually assaulting patients

On the stand, a woman, also in treatment for alcohol, recalled her alleged encounter alone with the nurse, where she says she was preyed upon and forced to perform non-consensual oral sex.

"He placed his hand on my breast. Right here," said the witness. "He had me place my hand on his penis."

The witness said, I wasnt in the right state of mind. Not understanding what was going on fully.

Figueroa-Berrios faces a total of eight felony charges tied to multiple patients in a case I first exposed.

Related story: Abuse advocate and survivor speaks after Detroit nurse's sexual assault charges Abuse advocate and survivor speaks after Detroit nurse's sexual assault charges

More cases are also under review by the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office, involving investigations in Detroit and Livonia dating back years.

The judge did bind over a total of three cases for trial.

A spokesperson for the hospital has maintained that patient safety is a top priority, and police were immediately notified about complaints.

The nurse, fired from Sinai Grace, is standing by his innocence and will appear in court again on November 10.

For those counting down to the Detroit Free Press Marathon on Sunday, the potential for heavy rain isnt dampening spirits. The race starts at 7 a.m. Numerous events are taking place all weekend.

Im a fast walker. I dont run, Judy Wortman said. Ive been training hard, ready to go do what I want to do and really need to do.

Watch Simon Shaykhet's video report below: Detroit Free Press Marathon runners prepare for race amid rainy weather forecast

People from all over participate in the yearly marathon event.

My cousin is coming in. I heard theyre running into Canada. Ill be cheering her on, Kevin Anderson said.

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Related: 2025 Detroit Free Press Marathon: Everything you need to know

As runners arrived to pick up their event packets, shirts, bibs and other supplies at Huntington Place on Friday, I also saw the massive line for another sold out year.

Ill probably just wear shorts and a tank top. More clothes is more wear and tear on the body, runner David Betts said.

I asked the race director about ensuring safety for 26,000 people taking part in the event.

Were asking runners to be mindful of the weather. Take appropriate action on planning, what youre wearing, said Aaron Velthoven, vice president and race director. Right now, we are seeing nothing that would call for that, but we are monitoring that forecast closely.

Half and full marathon runners will travel across the U.S.-Canada bridge and tunnel as part of their course. Whether youre walking, running, volunteering or cheering, organizers say plan ahead.

I think a hat is probably one of the first things you would do. Just keep it out of your face. Just prepare yourself for that rain, Velthoven said.

Any last-minute changes, will trigger an email to all participants.

In the heart of downtown Oxford, Angie Green and her two sons have gone from humble beginnings to launching a national brand, making up to 1,000 stuffed bagels a day.

Her message about working with family and sharing baked goods made with love is quickly spreading to 25 states and 400 stores.

Watch Simon Shayket's video report below: Oxford family-owned bagel shop goes national

I visited the community and learned about how the family-run business has flourished all the way to Colorado and Florida by selling stuffed bagels with a unique twist.

Inside a kitchen within Evergreens Coffee and Bakeshop, you can feel something special being made by Green and her two sons Hunter and Gavin.

A couple years ago, my sons said everyone loves the stuffed bagels at Evergreens, we need to take it a step further, Green said.

A proud mom, Green not only shares her love of baking, but this venture has blossomed into a thriving business.

Just rewind to two years ago and it was a trade show where the familys brand Bros & Dough won a Golden Ticket from Meijer, placing their goodies in several locations.

Its definitely been a ride, but it's been fun fun. I wouldnt change it for the world. Definitely some real-world experience before you hit adulthood, Gavin Green said.

Very unique. Nothing else really like it. We pour a lot of passion into it, family business. We have our picture right on the back, Hunter Green said.

Now, the brothers are not only making as many as a thousand stuffed bagels a day, but their packaged products are being distributed to 400 stores in 25 states.

Everyday customers in Oxford are still enjoying the various flavors.

You can get your standard bagel somewhere but to get something handcrafted, right here, and its always super fresh and theyre really good, customer Gabby Rodela said.

A key ingredient is sticking by one another, whether its marketing, meeting order deadlines or lending an extra hand.

Angie Green says her prior career as an emergency room nurse helped pave the way for her sons to learn about responsibility.

There are stuffed bagels out there just stuffed with cream cheese. We took it a step further, stuffed them with things like bacon. Who doesnt love bacon? Angie Green said.

Now, the family is savoring moments together as co-owners.

Theyre seeking a larger facility, so they can keep up with demand and expand to each and every state.

Bros n Dough says they use natural ingredients without preservatives, and they hope to be in larger stores like Kroger and others soon.

A nurse accused of sexually victimizing people at Detroits Sinai-Grace hospital and facing multiple charges of CSC is now named in a new lawsuit filed by an alleged victim.

Watch Simon Shaykhet's video report: Lawsuit filed against Sinai-Grace Hospital in nurse sex assault case

Wilfredo Figueroa Berrios is facing 8 criminal counts, tied to 3 alleged victims.

Today, I talked exclusively with attorney Todd Flood about allegations and social media posts he says are a key part of his case.

Shes been through hell and back, thats how Flood is describing what he calls the immense trauma his client, a woman being treated for alcohol addiction, went through at the hands of Wilfredo Figueroa Berrios.

PREVIOUS STORY: Nurse accused of sexually assaulting patients arraigned on charges in another case Nurse accused of sexually assaulting patients arraigned on charges in another case

He says, back on August 19th, she was a patient at Sinai-Grace Hospital, When this guy forced himself onto her. Not once. Not twice. Not 3 times. 4 individual times, Flood says.

He says prosecutors adding another charge last week adds to the stunning nature of a crime where patients have been placed at risk.

Flood showed me social media posts he says were missed by hospital staff when it came to evaluating Figueroa Berrios for hiring.

All you had to do was go to social media and just look at the rude comments he makes. On his own social media, about checking out a Race for the Cure for cancer and doing breast exams for tents and having fun with it, Flood says. 

Prosecutors also charged the former nurse with sexually assaulting a woman inside a porta-john.

A licensed nurse since 2012, police say he broke the sacred trust of patients, and at least 3 more criminal cases are under review, including one from Livonia dating back to 2021.

PREVIOUS STORY: Nurse accused of sexually assaulting woman at hospital facing new charges in separate case Nurse accused of sexually assaulting woman at hospital facing new charges

Theres video footage of him; he got charged, but theres video footage of him going in and out of the room, for no reason, Flood says. He wasnt there taking care of her or a check on her. Touches them. Massages them and starts to take overt actions.

I did reach an attorney for the defendant, who tells me he denies all allegations and looks forward to having his day in court.

I also reached out to a spokesperson for DMC on behalf of Sinai-Grace Hospital. They released the following statement:

Sinai-Grace Hospital prioritizes the safety of our patients.  The hospital has rigorous processes in place to screen applicants prior to employment. There was no indication of a concern during that process. We also have processes to identify and address patient safety issues and take appropriate action.   Upon becoming aware of these allegations, Sinai-Grace proactively initiated contact with and notified law enforcement and suspended the employee, who has since been terminated.  We do not condone any type of abuse and are cooperating fully with law enforcement.  Federal privacy laws restrict us from sharing patient-specific information.

You can read the full complaint below:

STAMPED Complaint Redacted by WXYZ-TV Channel 7 Detroit

Its crunch time for state House and Senate lawmakers, yet to pass a budget with a looming deadline of Oct. 1 quickly approaching.

Watch Simon Shaykhet's video report: State budget battle has many concerned parks may face a shut down Watch Brittany Toolis' video report State budget battle has many concerned parks may face a shut down

Many state-run programs, including our parks, could be shut down if we dont see a resolution signed by the governor soon.

As the potential of a state government shutdown draws closer, were hearing more and more from metro Detroiters at state parks, like Belle Isle.

Detroiter Moses Hubbert is keeping up with his daily exercise routine, and says hes tired of seeing state lawmakers take one step forward and two steps back.

I would tell lawmakers - look out for the people, we already know you are looking out for yourself, Hubbert says.

Moses and others I talked to at Belle Isle today are doubling down on the need for our state parks to remain open and for lawmakers on both sides in Lansing to agree on a budget before the approaching deadline of October 1st to avoid a shutdown.

You know its political. Somebody has an agenda, Hubbert says.

The DNR continues to operate parks for the time being, but state leaders tell me a very different scenario could emerge if the House and Senate cant get a successful budget passed.

A spokesperson for the state budget office released the following statement on the situation:

It is the Legislature's job to pass a budget that will help Michigan families thrive. Once that budget is passed, it will go to the governor's desk for signature. We know Team Michigan has been working hard to reach a budget deal so Michiganders can continue to receive the critical state services they depend on every day. There has been good progress made over the last few weeks, and we are optimistic that we can get a deal done.

I also asked lawmakers on both sides how key issues like road funding, education, school lunches, and public safety are being worked out during recent sessions running past midnight.

The governor said theres no budget without a roads plan. The Senate Democrats have adopted the governors road plans. So, were able to move forward with that, says Rep. Cam Cavitt of Cheboygan (R).

Its a very difficult process weve been working through. Weve had massive, big cuts forced by the one big beautiful bill, says Rep. Alabas Farhat of Dearborn (D).

Ive learned more late-night meetings are expected to achieve the goal of preventing a shutdown that could also impact other state offices.

For Moses, it comes down to compromise before only the wildlife is left here.

Ive been walking here every day for the last month, I enjoy the scenery. The agricultural. Birds, he says. 

Moses says hes not going to stop walking as long as he can, and hopes lawmakers do their part in time.