A legal disagreement between President Trump's administration and state and local governments has caused uncertainty for millions of Americans who depend on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) for food assistance. Many people are unsure when they will receive their next SNAP payments due to this funding issue.
Key Facts
There is a legal dispute over funding for SNAP between the federal government and local governments.
The uncertainty affects millions of Americans who rely on SNAP benefits.
SNAP helps people buy food when they can't afford it.
Tina Gigioli, who lost her job, is affected by the delay in benefits.
Her job loss was due to budget cuts at an educational tech company.
She applied for SNAP benefits after her severance pay ended.
The North Carolina Supreme Court is looking at a case where a private school expelled two students over their parents' behavior. The school, supported by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte, claims it had a right to end enrollment because of disrupted relations with the parents. The parents argue their children were expelled without proper notice after the father raised concerns about the school's values.
Key Facts
The North Carolina Supreme Court is considering if the case about student expulsion can continue after lower courts dismissed it.
The case involves Charlotte Latin School, which expelled students due to the parents' conduct.
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte supports the school's decision in court.
The parents, Doug and Nicole Turpin, claim the school expelled their children without warning after Doug raised concerns about school values.
Charlotte Latin says the decision was necessary due to "irreconcilable differences" with the parents.
The controversy gained attention from lawmakers and the public.
The disagreement started after the school committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion principles.
Parents, including the Turpins, voiced concerns but were told no changes would be made.
Republican Senator Josh Hawley has introduced a bill to keep funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) during the ongoing government shutdown. The bill has backing from 14 other Republican Senators and aims to ensure that SNAP benefits do not stop. If Congress does not act, these benefits could end on November 1.
Key Facts
Senator Josh Hawley introduced the Keep SNAP Funded Act during the government shutdown.
The bill has support from 14 Republican Senators and members from other parties.
The government has been shut down for nearly a month, risking SNAP benefit payments.
If Congress does not approve new funding, SNAP benefits could end on November 1.
Some Senate leaders emphasize reopening the government to restore SNAP benefits.
Democrats want funding bills to also address expiring Affordable Care Act subsidies.
The USDA depends on previously approved funds to continue payments.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune suggests prioritizing a vote to open the government.
A federal judge has ordered the Trump administration to decide by Monday whether to provide at least partial SNAP benefits to 42 million people who are low-income. This comes after the administration decided to suspend the food assistance program, leading to a lawsuit from Democratic-led states. The judge acknowledged the legal challenge as valid but did not immediately stop the suspension.
Key Facts
A judge ordered the Trump administration to make a decision on SNAP food benefits by Monday.
The decision affects 42 million low-income people who rely on this assistance.
The federal judge, Indira Talwani, acknowledged that many people will lose food assistance starting Saturday.
The case arose because the Trump administration decided to halt SNAP during a government shutdown.
Democratic-led states sued the U.S. Department of Agriculture, claiming the halt was unlawful.
The judge agreed with the lawsuit's legal concerns but chose not to block the suspension right away.
Judge Talwani stated that emergency funds should be used to continue SNAP benefits.
Fourteen U.S. states are responding to a halt in federal SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits due to a government shutdown. This includes New York, which declared a state of emergency and allocated state funds to help those losing food assistance. Throughout the country, states are trying to find ways to support residents who depend on these benefits.
Key Facts
14 states have announced funding for food banks or direct financial help due to a SNAP benefit halt.
New York declared a state of emergency because 2.9 million residents are losing SNAP benefits.
42 million people in the U.S. could lose nutrition assistance if the federal shutdown continues.
States like Delaware, Rhode Island, and Virginia also declared emergencies and allocated funds.
New York committed $65 million for emergency food assistance and is deploying service corps members to help.
The Agriculture Department cannot use contingency funds for SNAP during the shutdown.
Some states worry about not being reimbursed if they use emergency funds to cover SNAP gaps.
California Governor Newsom announced state support but did not declare a state of emergency.
Record-breaking rainfall in New York City on October 30 led to at least two deaths. A 39-year-old man was found in a flooded basement in Brooklyn, and a 43-year-old man was discovered in a submerged boiler room in Manhattan. The rainfall set new records in places like Central Park and LaGuardia Airport.
Key Facts
At least two people died due to heavy rainfall in New York City.
A 39-year-old man was found dead in a flooded basement in Brooklyn.
A 43-year-old man was found dead in a submerged boiler room in Manhattan.
Central Park recorded 1.80 inches of rain, surpassing a 1917 record.
LaGuardia Airport recorded 1.97 inches of rain, breaking a 1955 record.
The NYC Emergency Management reported these record-breaking rainfall levels.
The FBI stopped an alleged terrorist attack in Michigan, arresting several suspects. They have not shared many details about the operation yet, and it's not clear exactly where in Michigan it took place.
Key Facts
The FBI says it stopped a possible terrorist attack planned for Halloween weekend in Michigan.
Multiple suspects were arrested during the operation.
FBI Director Kash Patel promised to share more details later.
No specific part of Michigan was confirmed for the operation, but FBI activity was noted in Dearborn.
The Dearborn Police assured the public that there is no current threat to their community.
Dearborn and Inkster, both near Detroit, reported FBI operations.
President Donald Trump has announced a plan to limit the number of refugees entering the United States to 7,500 for the fiscal year 2026. This is the lowest cap on refugees since the 1980 Refugee Act. Priority will be given to white South Africans, following claims of risk in South Africa.
Key Facts
President Trump announced a new limit of 7,500 refugees for fiscal year 2026.
This is the lowest refugee cap since the 1980 Refugee Act, which initially set it at 50,000 per year.
The current refugee cap, set by former President Biden, is 125,000.
Priority will be given to white South Africans, whom Trump claims are at risk of "genocide" in South Africa.
Admission into the US will require approval from both the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Homeland Security.
An Executive Order, signed by Trump, responds to South Africa’s Expropriation Act 13 of 2024, concerning land seizures.
Experts and South African officials dispute Trump’s claims about risks to white South Africans, suggesting no evidence of "white genocide."
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa argues that violence in South Africa affects all citizens equally.
An Ohio panel, controlled by Republicans, approved new U.S. House districts that could help increase the party's seats. Virginia lawmakers are also working on changing their state's district maps before the upcoming congressional elections.
Key Facts
Ohio's panel adopted new U.S. House districts on Friday.
The new maps in Ohio could help Republicans gain two more seats in the elections.
President Donald Trump supports changing districts to help his party keep a congressional majority.
Virginia's General Assembly is led by Democrats and is proposing a change to their redistricting process.
Virginia's Senate passed a resolution to bypass a bipartisan commission for redistricting.
Ohio had to redraw its districts according to the state constitution due to lack of bipartisan support after the 2020 census.
U.S. Representative Thomas Massie criticizes American elites for having privileges similar to royalty. He wants Congress to release files related to Jeffrey Epstein, but the process is delayed because Congress is not in session. Massie's effort has bipartisan support but lacks enough signatures to force a vote.
Key Facts
Representative Thomas Massie criticizes U.S. elites, comparing their privileges to those of British royalty.
Massie is pushing for Congress to release files about Jeffrey Epstein.
The effort to release the files has bipartisan support but is currently stalled.
Massie and Representative Ro Khanna are leading a petition to bring the measure to a vote, but it lacks enough signatures.
House Speaker Mike Johnson's actions have delayed the process by keeping Congress in recess.
Delays in swearing in Representative Grijalva are also affecting the petition's progress.
Massie stressed the need for transparency and justice in handling Epstein-related materials.
Food banks in the U.S. are preparing to help people as a deadline approaches for possible cuts to SNAP, a program that helps millions buy food. The cuts are happening because a government shutdown is affecting funding, and many federal workers are also not getting paid.
Key Facts
Governor Kathy Hochul declared a "food emergency" in New York due to potential SNAP payment suspensions.
The New York emergency declaration provided an extra $65 million for food assistance.
Around 42 million Americans depend on SNAP benefits, which might stop due to the government shutdown.
The Trump administration announced that SNAP funds might run out after Nov. 1.
The shutdown has led to the furlough of over 700,000 federal workers.
Food banks are under pressure to help families affected by the potential loss of SNAP aid.
California National Guard and other volunteers are assisting food banks with distribution.
Rallies have been held urging the government to release $6 billion in emergency SNAP funds.
A U.S. Senate investigation found reports of medical neglect and poor conditions in immigration detention centers. The report noted that detainees faced delays in getting medical care, and there were issues with inadequate food and water. The findings suggest weaknesses in how the government manages these detention centers.
Key Facts
The Senate investigation revealed over 80 cases of medical neglect in federal immigration detention centers.
Detainees reported not receiving necessary medical care like insulin and asthma medication timely.
There were reports of expired milk, foul water, and insufficient food at the centers.
A diabetic detainee went two days without glucose monitoring or insulin, leading to a medical crisis.
An individual reportedly had a heart attack after not receiving timely treatment for chest pain.
A Senate report criticized federal oversight of immigration detention facilities.
The Senate investigation is part of a series looking into human rights issues in detention centers.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement did not provide comments on the report when asked by the Associated Press.
President Trump is focusing on increasing efforts to monitor undocumented migrants. The U.S. government is giving more money to the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency (ICE) to expand their surveillance systems on immigration.
Key Facts
President Trump was re-elected in 2024.
The U.S. government is boosting funding for ICE.
ICE stands for Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
ICE is responsible for immigration enforcement.
The increased funding helps ICE expand surveillance.
Surveillance refers to closely watching and monitoring activity, often using technology.
AccuWeather has released a forecast map for Halloween, showing different weather conditions across the United States. Some areas are expected to have rain or snow, but many regions will enjoy good weather for trick-or-treating. The National Weather Service also highlighted that a strong storm system will affect parts of the country with rain and wind.
Key Facts
AccuWeather forecast map shows weather for Halloween across the U.S.
Rain is expected in parts of western Washington and the Upper Midwest, including Minnesota and Wisconsin.
Northwest Minnesota and parts of the Dakotas may see a mix of rain and snow.
Cool weather is forecasted from Missouri to the East Coast.
Much of Montana and Wyoming should have pleasant conditions on Halloween.
Warm conditions are expected in the Southwest, including California and Arizona.
A strong storm will bring heavy rains from New York into New England and the Mid-Atlantic.
An atmospheric river is expected to cause rain, snow, and windy conditions in the Northwest over the weekend.
Curtis Sliwa is a Republican running in the 2025 New York City mayoral race. He is best known for founding the Guardian Angels, a volunteer group focused on crime prevention, and has made public safety a key focus of his campaign. Sliwa continues his mayoral run despite calls to step down to support former Governor Andrew Cuomo's independent bid.
Key Facts
Curtis Sliwa is running as a Republican candidate in the 2025 New York City mayoral race.
Andrew Cuomo, a former governor, is running as an independent after losing the Democratic primary.
Zohran Mamdani leads the polls with support from a Democratic Socialist platform.
Some suggest Sliwa's withdrawal could help Cuomo's chances against Mamdani.
Sliwa founded the Guardian Angels, known for subway system patrols starting in 1979.
His campaign focuses on public safety, proposing to hire more NYPD officers and enhance policing.
Sliwa's public safety plans have attracted criticism for potential racial profiling and civil liberty issues.
He has a history in local politics and as a media personality.
The U.S. Air Force may soon lack enough fighter jets for its needs. A report for Congress outlines the Air Force's requirement for more combat-ready jets and highlights issues with funding and aging aircraft that threaten its readiness.
Key Facts
The U.S. Air Force might not have enough fighter jets to meet future needs.
A report to Congress says an additional 300 combat-ready jets are needed by 2026.
The current inventory of combat-coded jets is about 1,271, while the Air Force needs 1,558.
The Air Force has nearly 5,000 aircraft, the smallest number in its 78-year history.
Funding issues and aging jets are impacting the Air Force's readiness.
Plans include investing in new fighter jets like the F‑47 and upgrading existing models such as the F‑35 and F‑15.
The U.S. military faces competition from other countries like China and Russia, which have large numbers of combat-capable aircraft.
In San Francisco, concerns about increased immigration enforcement under President Donald Trump's policies have led some groups to think about canceling Dia de los Muertos celebrations. The festivities, which honor deceased loved ones, have been a tradition in the city's Mission District for 44 years.
Key Facts
Dia de los Muertos is celebrated to honor deceased loved ones, primarily in Mexico and Latin America.
San Francisco’s Mission District has hosted a nighttime procession for this holiday for 44 years.
The event features Aztec dancers and participants dressed as colorful skulls.
Louie Gutierrez is an organizer with El Colectivo del Rescate Cultural de la Mission, a cultural advocacy group.
President Trump has intensified immigration enforcement, causing fear in Latino communities.
Some Dia de los Muertos events in the U.S. are being reconsidered or canceled due to fears of ICE raids.
The White House will start allowing public tours again in December after pausing them for ballroom construction. These tours, featuring holiday decorations selected by First Lady Melania Trump, will begin on December 2. Tour requests can be made through congressional offices, with current availability only for December and January.
Key Facts
The White House tours will resume on December 2.
Tours were paused because of the construction of a new ballroom.
The tours will showcase Christmas decorations throughout the State Floor.
First Lady Melania Trump is overseeing the decoration plans.
Congressional offices can start requesting tours from November 3.
Tour availability is currently limited to December and January dates.
It's not yet clear if the tours will continue long-term.
A storm is set to bring snowfall to parts of seven states in the eastern U.S. on Halloween night. The storm will cause strong winds and colder temperatures, leading to potential snow in high-elevation areas. People in affected regions are advised to prepare for wintry and cold conditions.
Key Facts
Seven states in the eastern U.S. could see snow: New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Maryland.
The storm will bring strong winds, making temperatures feel up to 20 degrees Fahrenheit colder.
AccuWeather predicts up to 3 inches of snow on Friday night in some high-elevation areas.
The National Weather Service has issued wind advisories affecting 46 million people.
Coastal areas previously experienced flooding due to the storm.
The storm will cause December-like cold in the Northeast on Friday and Saturday.
These conditions follow the first frost or freeze in several states, with cold warnings reaching as far south as Texas and Alabama.
People wearing ICE agent Halloween costumes have caused backlash on social media. The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire saw criticism for a costume contest where a student dressed as an ICE agent. A former city council member from Vancouver, Washington, also faced criticism for wearing a similar costume at a party.
