In November, a delay in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits due to a government shutdown may lead over 40 million Americans to use credit cards to buy food, potentially increasing credit card debt. A federal judge temporarily blocked the cut-off of SNAP benefits, but the available funds aren't enough to cover the full amount needed for the month.
Key Facts
Over 40 million Americans rely on SNAP benefits to buy food each month.
The government shutdown has currently halted November SNAP payments.
Many people may turn to credit cards to pay for food, raising the risk of increased debt.
Credit cards have high interest rates, commonly over 20%, which can cause long-term financial issues.
Some states have plans for emergency food assistance, but these may not fully meet the need.
A federal judge stopped the immediate cut-off of SNAP benefits, requiring an emergency fund to be used.
The government needs more than $9 billion to cover SNAP for November, but currently has only $5.25 billion.
The delay in SNAP benefits forces many to make tough financial choices, like skipping meals or incurring debt.
The number of Irish citizens deported from the United States increased by over 50% in 2025 compared to the previous year. From January to September 2025, 99 Irish citizens were deported, and stricter enforcement of immigration laws has been observed under President Donald Trump’s administration. Some individuals facing deportation have lived in the U.S. for many years and lack recent criminal records.
Key Facts
99 Irish citizens were deported from the U.S. between January and September 2025.
This marks a more than 50% increase from the 60 Irish deportations in the previous fiscal year.
President Trump's election has seen a rise in immigration enforcement.
Many of those deported had previously entered the U.S. legally but overstayed their visas.
Some deportees, like Donna Hughes-Brown, have lived in the U.S. for decades but face deportation due to old minor offenses.
The number of Irish citizens seeking assistance from the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs regarding deportation also increased to 51 in 2025, up from 15 in 2024.
The U.S. government detains and can deport non-citizens involved in criminal activity or those violating visa terms.
A woman in Tennessee, named Staci Marklin, was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease at age 46, two years after giving birth to her son. Experiencing symptoms like memory loss and difficulty finding words, she has faced challenges in parenting her young son. To raise awareness and find support, she started sharing her experiences on TikTok.
Key Facts
Staci Marklin was 44 when her son was born.
She was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s at 46.
Marklin experienced memory issues and word-switching for about two years.
As a nurse, she had experience working with Alzheimer’s patients.
Marklin experiences short-term memory loss, fatigue, and word-finding difficulties.
She started a TikTok account to document her journey and connect with others.
Her TikTok channel has gained significant attention, with some videos receiving over 200,000 views.
Early-onset Alzheimer’s is rare and affects about 5% of Alzheimer’s cases in the U.S.
Voters in Northern California are deciding on Proposition 50, a measure to redraw congressional district lines that could favor Democrats. The redistricting could change which party controls more seats in the U.S. House of Representatives. Some locals worry it will weaken their influence by dividing their community into different districts.
Key Facts
Proposition 50 is a ballot measure in California to redraw congressional district lines.
The move aims to create up to five new seats for Democrats in Congress.
President Trump has promoted redistricting in various states to help Republicans.
The proposition has raised concerns among some residents in Loomis, CA, where voters prefer representation that matches their suburban lifestyle.
Critics of the measure say it could undermine California's independent redistricting commission.
Democrats view the redistricting as a way to counter President Trump's national influence on district lines.
If approved, Proposition 50 could affect party control in the U.S. House after the midterm elections.
In the New York City mayoral race, Democratic candidate Zohran Mamdani is leading in the polls against independent Andrew Cuomo and Republican Curtis Sliwa. Mamdani's backing comes mainly from younger voters and communities of color, while Cuomo is appealing to moderate and disaffected Democrats. The election reflects different views on the future of urban governance.
Key Facts
Zohran Mamdani is leading the polls with significant support over Andrew Cuomo and Curtis Sliwa.
Mamdani's average support is at 46.6%, Cuomo's at 30.1%, and Sliwa's at 16.5%.
A recent Hill/Emerson survey shows Mamdani with 50% support.
Mamdani has strong support from younger voters and communities of color.
Cuomo is positioning himself as a centrist, appealing to moderates.
The election is seen as showing different directions for the Democratic Party regarding urban policies.
President Trump has criticized Mamdani's campaign, calling it a threat to the city.
Housing affordability, democracy concerns, and the economy are top issues for voters in this race.
The gubernatorial race in New Jersey between Democrat Mikie Sherrill and Republican Jack Ciattarelli is very close, with Sherrill slightly leading in polls. Both candidates are trying to appeal to different groups, with Sherrill focusing on suburban and moderate voters and Ciattarelli emphasizing economic issues. The election is watched closely as one of only two gubernatorial races in the U.S. this year.
Key Facts
Mikie Sherrill is a Democrat running for governor in New Jersey, previously serving as a Navy pilot and Congress member.
Jack Ciattarelli is a Republican candidate supported by President Donald Trump, focusing on economic and cultural dissatisfaction.
New Jersey is one of only two states holding a gubernatorial election this year.
Sherrill currently has a slight lead in polls, with an average of 48% to Ciattarelli's 45.3%.
A recent Hill/Emerson poll shows Sherrill leading by 2 points, with a strong lead among women voters.
Economic issues are the top concern for 52% of voters in the state.
Current Democratic Governor Phil Murphy has low approval ratings, but his supporters favor Sherrill strongly.
The election will take place on Tuesday, November 4.
Democrat Abigail Spanberger is leading Republican Winsome Earle-Sears in polls for Virginia's governor's race, which is only days away. Polls show Spanberger with varying leads, ranging from 4 to 12 points. The Virginia election can signal broader political trends in the United States.
Key Facts
Abigail Spanberger is a Democrat, while Winsome Earle-Sears is a Republican.
Spanberger leads Earle-Sears by an average of 7.4 points across eight major polls.
The Trafalgar/InsiderAdvantage poll shows Spanberger leading by 4 points (46% to 42%).
Other polls show different margins: Roanoke College (10 points), Christopher Newport University (7 points), Suffolk University (9 points), and The Washington Post/Schar (12 points).
Demographic divides are evident: Spanberger is ahead among women and Black voters, while Earle-Sears leads among men and Hispanic voters.
Both candidates have strong support within their own parties but are closely contested among Independent voters.
Off-year elections on November 4 are seen as a reflection of President Trump's current standing, particularly among independent voters. These elections include key races in Virginia, New Jersey, and a significant ballot measure in California that could affect redistricting.
Key Facts
Off-year elections often reflect voter sentiment about the current president and their party.
President Trump's current approval rating is around 41%.
Democrats have been focusing on linking Republican candidates to President Trump in their campaigns.
Key races include governors' races in Virginia and New Jersey, and a New York mayoral race.
California voters will decide on Proposition 50, which might change how congressional districts are redrawn.
Proposition 50 could influence Democratic efforts against Republican redistricting.
President Trump gained significant Latino support in the 2024 election, but there are signs of shifting sentiments.
The uncertainty about Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits affects over 40 million Americans as a government shutdown causes funding issues. President Trump is seeking legal ways to continue payments, while food banks warn of increased demand due to the lapse in benefits. States and food banks are preparing to address the immediate needs of those affected.
Key Facts
SNAP benefits are uncertain because of a government shutdown starting November 1, 2025.
Over 40 million Americans depend on SNAP for food assistance.
A federal judge ordered the White House to use contingency funds for SNAP, but there are legal challenges.
President Trump has tasked lawyers to find solutions to continue SNAP payments despite legal complexities.
Food banks worry about a sudden rise in demand for aid due to the SNAP benefit lapse.
More than 21% of New Mexico residents receive SNAP, the highest rate in the U.S.
Food banks are not set up to replace the large-scale support that SNAP provides.
President Donald Trump has traveled frequently during the ongoing U.S. government shutdown, including trips to Asia and his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida. This travel behavior contrasts with past presidents who typically stayed in Washington to negotiate. The White House and Republicans blame Senate Democrats for the shutdown, which is affecting federal workers and services.
Key Facts
President Trump traveled to Asia and Florida during the government shutdown.
The shutdown started on October 1, 2025.
Federal workers are missing paychecks, and services like SNAP food assistance are at risk.
Trump spent nearly two weeks outside Washington since the shutdown began.
Past presidents, including Clinton and Obama, stayed in Washington to negotiate during shutdowns.
Trump blamed Senate Democrats for not supporting a short-term funding bill.
Trump was greeted with celebrations in Malaysia during his Asia trip.
In 2019, Trump had a different approach and stayed mostly in Washington during a shutdown.
Some people in the U.S. are helping their neighbors buy groceries because the government paused food aid due to a shutdown. The program affected is called SNAP, which helps 42 million people pay for food. Volunteers, known as "grocery buddies," are stepping in to assist those in need until the benefits are restored.
Key Facts
A government shutdown paused SNAP benefits, affecting millions of Americans who use the program to buy food.
SNAP, also known as food stamps, helps mainly seniors, people with disabilities, and families with children.
Volunteers across the country are using social media to connect and provide groceries to those at risk of running out of benefits.
Some people give gift cards, while others shop for groceries and deliver them to those in need.
In Chicago, Alicia Spradley created a group to support local SNAP recipients until the benefits return.
A federal judge ordered the U.S. Department of Agriculture to use emergency funds to keep SNAP going.
It is unclear how the current administration will handle the judge's order.
A legal team in Los Angeles is focusing on helping people with cognitive disabilities who are in the criminal justice system. This team, led by lawyer Noah Cox, aims to provide alternatives to prison for individuals whose disabilities make it hard for them to communicate and understand legal proceedings.
Key Facts
Noah Cox, a lawyer in Los Angeles, formed a team to support people with cognitive disabilities facing legal charges.
The team is part of the Los Angeles County Public Defender's Office and focuses on intellectual and developmental disabilities.
People with such disabilities often end up in prison due to misunderstood or unrecognized conditions.
Conditions include Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, Down Syndrome, traumatic brain injuries, and other intellectual disabilities.
Many affected individuals are not diagnosed during their education and may go unnoticed for many years.
People with these disabilities are more likely to be victims of violent crimes or become involved in the criminal justice system.
The program aims to provide alternatives to prison to avoid worsening these individuals' situations.
President Donald Trump asked the Senate to end the filibuster to resolve the current U.S. government shutdown. Republican Senate leaders quickly opposed this idea, emphasizing the importance of the filibuster as a Senate rule. The government has been shut down for over a month due to disagreements between parties.
Key Facts
President Trump urged the Senate to stop using the filibuster to end the government shutdown.
The filibuster requires 60 votes to overcome objections in the Senate and currently allows Democrats, the minority, to block actions.
Republican leaders, including Senate Majority Leader John Thune, are against changing the filibuster rule.
The Senate is split 53 to 47, with Republicans in the majority.
Senate leaders argue that the filibuster forces bipartisan compromise.
The shutdown has lasted for 31 days with ongoing political disagreements over healthcare subsidies.
Trump has not actively engaged with Democratic leaders to resolve the shutdown.
Talks to end the shutdown continue among bipartisan senators.
The Trump administration has restricted reporters from visiting a specific part of the White House press office without appointments due to the handling of sensitive information. This decision is part of recent changes related to media access at both the White House and the Department of Defense.
Key Facts
President Trump's administration has limited press access to part of the White House press office.
Reporters now need an appointment to visit an area near the Oval Office.
The National Security Council says this is to protect sensitive information and improve coordination.
Similar press access restrictions were introduced earlier at the Department of Defense.
The White House Correspondents Association had no immediate comment on the change.
Some reporters were previously removed from the permanent White House press pool but can still participate occasionally.
Over 30 news organizations have rejected the new Pentagon press rules, viewing them as limiting press freedom.
The White House has introduced new rules restricting journalists' access to certain areas, specifically Room 140, without prior approval. These changes have sparked concerns among media organizations and press freedom advocates about transparency and journalists' ability to hold the government accountable.
Key Facts
The White House's new policy restricts reporters from entering Room 140 without an appointment.
The changes were announced due to structural shifts in the National Security Council's responsibilities.
The restrictions have drawn criticism from U.S. media and press freedom groups.
Similar press restrictions have recently been implemented at the Pentagon.
The Pentagon's new rules require military personnel to obtain approval before releasing information to the press.
Some news organizations have refused to sign the Pentagon's media credential agreement.
White House Communications Director Steven Cheung mentioned that the restrictions aim to protect sensitive information.
The White House Correspondents' Association opposes the new restrictions, citing concerns over transparency and accountability.
A judge in Rhode Island has ordered the Trump administration to keep funding the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) during the government shutdown. This decision affects around 42 million Americans who rely on SNAP benefits, but it's uncertain if the funds will reach them in time.
Key Facts
A federal judge ruled that the Trump administration must continue to fund SNAP during the government shutdown.
SNAP provides food benefits to roughly 42 million Americans.
The court ruling took place on a Friday, with a progress report due by the following Monday.
The ruling came as a result of a lawsuit filed by 25 Democratic-led states and Washington, D.C.
The lawsuit claims the administration is withholding up to $6 billion needed for SNAP.
The administration argued the funds are reserved for other emergencies, like natural disasters.
The judge decided that the immediate need for food was more important than saving funds for potential emergencies.
Even if funds are released, there may be delays in distributing benefits as states need time to process them.
Businesses in the U.S. are facing a shortage of pennies. This issue arose after the U.S. stopped making pennies earlier this year under President Trump. As a result, many stores are rounding cash transactions to the nearest five cents.
Key Facts
A penny is worth one cent, which is a small part of a U.S. dollar.
President Trump ended the production of pennies, calling it wasteful.
The U.S. Mint stopped making pennies in May, leading to a shortage sooner than expected.
Businesses are rounding prices to the nearest five cents due to lack of pennies.
Some laws require exact change, complicating this solution for certain retailers.
Convenience stores are severely affected, with some losing significant money.
The penny, in circulation since 1793, costs nearly four cents to make.
Not making pennies could save money, but making nickels is more expensive.
Two federal judges in the United States have decided that President Trump's administration cannot stop food aid given to low-income individuals during the government shutdown. The judges ordered the government to use available emergency funds to continue the food assistance program called SNAP.
Key Facts
Two federal judges made rulings preventing the suspension of food aid during a government shutdown.
The food aid program in question is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
About 42 million people in the U.S., or 1 in 8 citizens, depend on SNAP for food.
The Trump administration attempted to stop SNAP due to a budget impasse in Congress.
A judge in Boston ruled it unlawful to entirely suspend SNAP and said contingency funds should be used.
A judge in Rhode Island reached a similar conclusion, emphasizing potential harm from stopping SNAP.
SNAP has not been paused before, despite previous government shutdowns.
The current government shutdown is in its 31st day, with ongoing disputes between Democrats and Republicans over the budget.
Republican Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares has improved chances of reelection, according to betting odds on Polymarket. The attorney general race in Virginia, involving Miyares and Democratic nominee Jay Jones, has gained attention due to its potential implications for national political trends.
Key Facts
Jason Miyares is the current Virginia Attorney General seeking reelection.
Polymarket shows Miyares with a 74% chance of winning compared to Jay Jones' 25%.
The Virginia attorney general race is being closely watched as a potential indicator of national political trends.
Jay Jones faced backlash after leaked text messages from 2022, which included discussions of hypothetical violence.
The election is scheduled for November 4, with early voting already started.
Virginia is often considered a swing state, making the race influential on both local and national levels.
The ongoing government shutdown is putting funding for Head Start programs at risk. Head Start offers early childhood education and support services to families with low incomes. Discussions are ongoing about how this will affect the program's future.
Key Facts
The government shutdown is affecting several key programs, including Head Start.
Head Start provides early childhood education.
The program also offers health and food support to low-income families.
William Brangham spoke with Tommy Sheridan from the National Head Start Association about the issue.
The National Head Start Association is a nonprofit group that supports funding for Head Start.
