Social media claims that some restaurant chains, like Olive Garden and Red Lobster, are offering free meals to SNAP recipients during the government shutdown are false. These restaurants have confirmed that they are not providing such offers, and there is no evidence to suggest the claims are real.
Key Facts
SNAP provides food assistance to about 42 million Americans with low or no income.
During the government shutdown, SNAP payments have been halted because funds have run out.
Social media posts claimed that Olive Garden, Red Lobster, Popeyes, and McDonald's were offering free meals to SNAP recipients.
Red Lobster and Olive Garden stated that these claims are false and not part of any official program.
Popeyes and McDonald's have not officially commented, but no evidence shows their involvement in offering free meals.
SNAP benefits are usually for buying groceries, not restaurant meals, with few exceptions under the Restaurant Meals Program.
Olive Garden and Red Lobster do not participate in the Restaurant Meals Program, and the claims are considered false.
New York City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams was arrested during a protest against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at 26 Federal Plaza. He explained his reasons for joining the protest.
Key Facts
Jumaane Williams is the New York City Public Advocate.
He took part in a protest against ICE.
The protest took place at 26 Federal Plaza in New York City.
Williams was arrested during the protest.
After the arrest, he explained why he participated in the protest.
President Donald Trump is replacing the White House's East Wing with a new ballroom. This project, estimated to cost $300 million and funded by donations, has sparked comparisons with renovations done during President Obama's time, which focused on needed infrastructure upgrades.
Key Facts
President Trump has demolished the East Wing of the White House to build an 8,400-square-meter ballroom.
The new ballroom project is expected to cost $300 million and is funded by donations from individuals and major companies like Amazon and Google.
President Trump's project has not received approval from the federal agency responsible for overseeing federal building renovations.
During President Obama's term, a $376 million renovation occurred, funded by taxpayers, to upgrade outdated infrastructure like water pipes and electrical systems.
Obama's renovation focused mostly on necessary internal improvements and was approved by Congress.
The Trump project aims to increase seating capacity in the East Wing from 200 to 999 people.
Trump plans involve tearing down existing structures, which has raised concerns among preservationists.
Some claim Obama used personal funds and donations, not taxpayer money, for additional changes like redecorating interiors.
Health insurance costs in the U.S. are expected to double for many Americans as they sign up for the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplaces. Recent changes led by Congress and the Trump administration, including significant health care cuts and the removal of ACA tax credits, are contributing to these higher costs and affecting millions of Americans' coverage.
Key Facts
Health insurance costs for Americans using ACA marketplaces are set to double.
Around 20 million people will enroll in health insurance through the ACA's HealthCare.gov or state websites.
Recent changes by Congress and the Trump administration include significant cuts to health care funding.
Approximately $1 trillion has been removed from Medicaid and ACA coverage.
15 million Americans may lose their health insurance due to these changes.
Premiums for a family of four could increase by over $3,700 by 2026.
Rural hospitals and clinics are shutting down across the country.
Cuts to Medicaid will impact seniors, children, and people with disabilities.
The Trump administration will continue to fund the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) after two court rulings. The partial funding follows a planned halt due to budget issues during a government shutdown. It is still unclear how much SNAP recipients will receive or when they will get funds.
Key Facts
SNAP is a food assistance program serving about one in eight Americans.
The program costs about $8 billion every month.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture planned to stop payments on November 1 due to funding issues related to a government shutdown.
Two federal court rulings ordered the government to keep SNAP running.
It is unclear how much money will be given to recipients or when it will reach them.
Loading benefits onto debit cards used for groceries can take up to two weeks in some states.
The average SNAP benefit is about $190 per person each month.
President Donald Trump has announced the restart of U.S. nuclear weapons testing in a way that doesn't involve explosions. These tests are described as "noncritical", meaning they will test components but not detonate nuclear warheads. This move has been justified by Trump as a response to nuclear activities in other countries, although there's no evidence provided that these countries have recently tested nuclear weapons.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump ordered the U.S. to restart nuclear weapon tests that don't involve explosions.
Energy Secretary Chris Wright clarified that these will be "noncritical" tests, meaning no nuclear explosions will occur.
The tests will focus on checking the components of nuclear weapons for safety without causing a nuclear explosion.
These tests use computer simulations to predict how a nuclear weapon functions.
The decision was partly attributed to concerns about other countries increasing their nuclear capabilities, especially China.
There is no current proof that countries like Russia, China, or Pakistan are conducting explosive nuclear tests.
North Korea is the only country known to have tested a nuclear weapon in the 21st century but has stopped since 2018.
Four major U.S. cities and several labor unions are suing President Trump's administration over a new rule that could limit eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. The rule allows the Education Department to deny loan relief to workers if their employers are involved in activities considered illegal. The lawsuit argues that this gives too much power to the education secretary.
Key Facts
The lawsuit was filed in a federal court in Massachusetts.
The new rule targets the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.
The rule lets the Education Department deny loan forgiveness if employers are involved in illegal activities.
The plaintiffs include four major U.S. cities and several labor unions.
The lawsuit claims the rule gives the education secretary too much power.
Federal officials say the rule prevents taxpayer money from supporting illegal actions.
Diane Yap, a conservative influencer, suggested that people receiving food assistance through SNAP should get Nutraloaf, a type of prison food. This has caused a backlash online, especially as SNAP is crucial for 42 million Americans who rely on it for groceries. The government shutdown has delayed SNAP payments, but emergency funds are being considered to resume distribution.
Key Facts
Diane Yap suggested SNAP recipients receive Nutraloaf, a food typically given to prisoners.
SNAP helps 42 million Americans buy groceries monthly.
The U.S. government has been shut down since October 1, affecting SNAP benefits.
Federal judges ruled that SNAP payments must continue using emergency funds.
Yap's comments on social media have been viewed millions of times and sparked online backlash.
Nutraloaf is considered nutritionally adequate but unpleasant, made from various blended foods.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said SNAP payments might resume soon, but delays are expected.
Yap's statement sparked debates on social media about government assistance and its adequacy.
California voters are deciding on Proposition 50, which would approve a new congressional map. This map aims to shift control of up to five U.S. House seats from Republicans to Democrats. The decision will impact future elections until 2030 when new boundaries will be drawn based on the U.S. Census.
Key Facts
Proposition 50 is a ballot measure in California to approve a new congressional map.
The map could change control of up to five U.S. House seats from Republicans to Democrats.
Voters are asked to either vote "yes" or "no" on this measure.
The new map passed the California state legislature in August.
After the 2030 Census, an independent commission will redraw the district lines.
Adjusting voting districts is called "redistricting," often done to benefit political parties.
The national discussion on redistricting began in Texas, led by President Trump.
Control of the U.S. House of Representatives is currently close, affecting political moves.
Texans are voting on 17 state constitutional amendments and a special election for a congressional seat in Houston. There are also various local elections, including city ballot measures and a Fort Worth state Senate race.
Key Facts
Texans vote on 17 state constitutional amendments.
The amendments cover topics like parents' rights and judicial conduct.
Houston voters choose from 16 candidates for an open congressional seat.
The election includes changes to the bail system and state taxes.
There are citywide ballot measures and local municipal elections.
More than 40 million Americans are waiting to see when their SNAP food assistance benefits will resume. Two federal judges have ruled that the money should be restored, but the exact timing remains unclear due to the federal government shutdown. The Trump administration faces a Monday deadline to explain how it will restore SNAP funding.
Key Facts
Over 40 million Americans rely on SNAP for food assistance.
The program was paused on November 1 due to a government shutdown.
Two judges ruled that the pause is likely unlawful and funds must be restored.
The Trump administration has to submit a plan by Monday on how it plans to resume funding.
SNAP typically costs about $9 billion per month, but only $5 billion in emergency funds is available.
The delay in benefits affects 1 in 8 U.S. residents.
Nearly 39% of SNAP recipients are children or adolescents.
Some states plan to cover funding shortfalls but may not be reimbursed.
The U.S. government shutdown has lasted 34 days, marking the longest in history. The Senate is meeting to discuss judicial nominations while negotiations between Democrats and Republicans remain stalled. President Trump insists on reopening the government before starting negotiations on issues like health care subsidies.
Key Facts
The government shutdown has reached its 34th day, the longest in history.
The Senate plans to meet at 3 p.m. ET to consider judicial nominations.
Millions could lose food aid benefits, and health care subsidies may expire if the shutdown continues.
President Trump wants Democrats to agree to his terms before reopening the government, particularly on the Affordable Care Act subsidies.
Trump has asked Republicans to consider ending the filibuster rule, which requires 60 votes to pass most legislation in the Senate.
Senate Democrats voted 13 times against reopening the government without prior negotiations.
The shutdown may cause federal workers to miss more paychecks and affect 42 million Americans relying on federal food aid.
The shutdown stems from a disagreement, similar to a previous shutdown in 2019 over border wall funding.
Voters in New Jersey are choosing a new governor in a closely watched race that has national political importance. The Democratic candidate is Mikie Sherrill, a congresswoman, and the Republican candidate is Jack Ciattarelli, who nearly defeated the current governor in the last election. President Trump endorsed Ciattarelli, which is significant in this politically competitive state.
Key Facts
New Jersey is voting for a new governor with Democrat Mikie Sherrill and Republican Jack Ciattarelli as candidates.
The current governor, Democrat Phil Murphy, cannot run again due to term limits.
Mikie Sherrill is a U.S. representative and former Navy helicopter pilot.
Jack Ciattarelli is a former state Assemblyman and has President Trump's endorsement.
Both candidates have raised about $20 million for their campaigns.
New Jersey's governor races are often seen as a measure of national political mood.
Historically, New Jersey voters often choose a governor from the opposite party of the sitting U.S. President.
New Jersey has not had one party hold the governorship for more than three consecutive terms since the 1960s.
Virginia is set to elect its first female governor in 2025. The candidates are Republican Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears and Democratic U.S. Rep. Abigail Spanberger. This election is one of only two gubernatorial elections happening in the U.S. this year, drawing national attention.
Key Facts
Virginia will elect a female governor for the first time.
The candidates are Winsome Earle-Sears (Republican) and Abigail Spanberger (Democrat).
Glenn Youngkin, the current governor, cannot run again due to term limits.
Voters will also choose a lieutenant governor, an attorney general, and the state House of Delegates.
The election is one of only two governor races in the U.S. this year.
Virginia's and New Jersey’s elections are considered indicators of national political trends.
Spanberger has raised about $66 million, while Earle-Sears has raised about $35 million.
Spanberger had $4.1 million left for the final campaign stretch, compared to Earle-Sears’s $1.3 million.
New York City is holding its mayoral election on November 4, 2025. Over 735,000 people have already voted early, and polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Election Day. The ballot includes candidates for mayor and other local offices, as well as six ballot proposals.
Key Facts
More than 735,000 votes have been cast early in the NYC mayoral election.
Voters had to register by October 25 to vote on November 4.
The main candidates are Democrat Zohran Mamdani, independent Andrew Cuomo, and Republican Curtis Sliwa.
In-person polls will be open on November 4 from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. ET.
Voters can find their polling place and wait times on the Board of Elections website.
The ballot includes other local positions and six statewide ballot proposals.
Absentee ballots must be postmarked by November 4 or dropped off by 9 p.m. ET.
Zohran Mamdani is leading in polls for the New York City mayoral race against Andrew Cuomo and Curtis Sliwa. The election shows differing views within the Democratic party, as Mamdani, a democratic socialist, faces skepticism from some Democrats. The polls indicate Mamdani has strong support among younger voters and diverse communities.
Key Facts
Zohran Mamdani is ahead in polls for New York City's mayoral race over Andrew Cuomo and Curtis Sliwa.
Mamdani is running as a democratic socialist with policies like city-owned grocery stores and free bus services.
Andrew Cuomo continues his campaign as an independent after losing the Democratic primary.
Curtis Sliwa is running as a Republican but is trailing in the polls.
Mamdani has support from well-known progressives such as Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Bernie Sanders.
Many Democrats have not endorsed Mamdani due to disagreements over his policies.
Polls show younger voters, as well as Black and Latino communities, are more likely to support Mamdani.
Early voting in New York City saw more than 735,000 ballots cast.
Senator Josh Hawley proposed a bill to give $600 rebate checks to Americans using money from tariffs under President Trump's policy. The bill has not progressed in Congress, facing roadblocks such as lack of support and political disagreements.
Key Facts
Senator Josh Hawley introduced a bill in July for $600 rebate checks.
The rebates would use money from tariffs set during President Trump's administration.
Congress has not made significant progress on the bill; it remains in a committee.
The bill proposes at least $600 per adult and child, potentially giving $2,400 to a family of four.
Larger rebates could occur if tariffs bring in more money than expected in 2025.
The bill has no cosponsors and faces challenges in gaining political support.
Experts mention political issues as part of why the bill stalled in Congress.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has proposed a new rule to expand the collection of biometric information, including DNA, from individuals applying for immigration benefits. This rule aims to include almost all applicants and individuals related to immigration requests, removing age restrictions and increasing the types of biometrics collected.
Key Facts
The DHS plans to collect biometrics, including DNA, from most immigration benefit applicants.
This new rule would apply to individuals of all ages, removing current age limits.
Biometrics types would expand to include fingerprints, facial and iris scans, and possibly voice prints.
The rule allows DHS to collect biometrics from non-citizens after arrest.
DNA collection may help prove family relationships when documents are missing.
The proposal includes a "person-centric" approach, focusing on an individual's full biometric record.
The DHS is gathering public comments on this rule until January 2, 2026.
Cities like Albuquerque, Boston, Chicago, and San Francisco are suing the Trump administration over changes to the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. The new rule could deny loan forgiveness to public workers whose employers are deemed to engage in activities with a "substantial illegal purpose," a term defined by the education secretary. The lawsuit argues this could unfairly target cities that oppose administration policies.
Key Facts
The Public Service Loan Forgiveness program was started in 2007 to forgive student loans for workers in public service after ten years.
Changes to the PSLF program rules will take effect on July 1, 2026.
The rule change could deny loan forgiveness to workers whose employers are seen as engaging in illegal activities.
The definition of "substantial illegal purpose" will be determined by the education secretary.
Cities like Boston and San Francisco, along with major teachers unions, are part of the lawsuit.
The lawsuit argues the changes could unfairly impact workers where local governments oppose certain federal policies.
The rule aims to ensure that taxpayer money does not support illegal activities.
The Education Department has yet to comment on the lawsuit but defends the rule as legally grounded.
New York City's mayoral candidates are making a final effort to encourage voter turnout ahead of Election Day. Candidates Zohran Mamdani, Andrew Cuomo, and Curtis Sliwa are actively campaigning across all five boroughs to become the next mayor of New York City. Early voting has concluded in the city with over 735,000 ballots already cast.
Key Facts
Election Day for New York City's mayoral race is approaching.
Candidates Zohran Mamdani, Andrew Cuomo, and Curtis Sliwa are campaigning across the city.
Zohran Mamdani aims to be the first Muslim mayor of New York City.
Andrew Cuomo is running as an independent, trying to return to politics after resigning as governor.
Curtis Sliwa is focusing on public safety in his campaign.
Over 735,000 early voting ballots have been cast in the city.
This year's early voting numbers differ from past years, including last year when over 1 million ballots were cast.
