The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits are set to end on November 1, affecting 42 million people in the U.S. Democratic leaders blame President Trump's administration for this issue, claiming it is using hunger as a political tool. Legal action has been taken by 25 states and Washington D.C. against the U.S. Department of Agriculture, alleging illegal withholding of funds.
Key Facts
SNAP benefits will run out on November 1, affecting 42 million Americans.
Democrats claim the Trump administration is deliberately withholding funds to leverage political negotiations.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and other Democrats criticize the actions as illegal.
A lawsuit was filed by 25 states and Washington D.C. against the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
The lawsuit contends that the USDA has $6 billion in contingency funds that are not being used.
The USDA previously used funds during President Trump’s first term to keep SNAP running.
The USDA's shutdown-funding plan, which mentioned possible fund use, has been removed from its website.
The White House and USDA have not provided clear comments on the change in their funding stance.
The East Wing of the White House is being demolished for a new ballroom, which means losing historical spaces like the First Lady's office. Historically, the East Wing was a space where many First Ladies and their staff developed significant projects and initiatives.
Key Facts
The East Wing is being removed to make way for a new ballroom under President Trump.
The East Wing included the First Lady’s office, the Jacqueline Kennedy Garden, and other facilities.
The East Wing has historically been a space for First Ladies to develop and manage their initiatives.
The site originally began as a terrace built by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1902.
In 1942, under President Franklin D. Roosevelt, the East Wing was expanded to conceal an underground bunker.
The East Wing became known as the Office of the First Lady during Rosalynn Carter’s time, which gave First Ladies and their staff dedicated workspaces.
First Ladies have used the East Wing to work on various initiatives, such as Michelle Obama's Let's Move campaign.
A survey by the journal Nature found that 75% of researchers in the U.S. are thinking about leaving the country. This is due to concerns about funding cuts, which might lead to a loss of top scientific minds.
Key Facts
Nature, a scientific journal, conducted a survey about researchers in the U.S.
75% of researchers surveyed are considering leaving the U.S.
The survey includes researchers like a well-known mathematician referred to as the "Mozart of Math."
Researchers are worried about funding cuts for scientific work in the U.S.
This situation could lead to a "brain drain," where the country loses its top scientists.
Kat Abughazaleh, a Democratic congressional candidate in Illinois, has been indicted for allegedly blocking a federal agent's vehicle during protests against immigration enforcement. The indictment accuses Abughazaleh and five others of trying to stop the agent's car from entering a facility. Abughazaleh denies the charges, calling them an attempt to criminalize protest.
Key Facts
Kat Abughazaleh is a Democratic congressional candidate in Illinois.
She was indicted for allegedly blocking a federal agent's vehicle at a protest in September.
The indictment charges her and five others with conspiring to obstruct an officer.
The protest opposed immigration enforcement activities in the Chicago area.
Abughazaleh claims the charges are politically motivated and a violation of free speech rights.
She announced her candidacy to replace retiring U.S. Rep. Jan Schawkosky.
The protest-related activities focus on immigration enforcement as a key issue in Illinois' March primary.
An Illinois sheriff's deputy, Sean Grayson, was found guilty of second-degree murder in the shooting death of Sonya Massey. Grayson shot Massey after responding to her 911 call about a suspicious person. The case has led to discussions about law enforcement's use of force and prompted changes in Illinois law regarding police transparency.
Key Facts
Sean Grayson, a sheriff's deputy, was convicted of second-degree murder for shooting Sonya Massey, who had called 911 about a suspected prowler.
A jury did not convict Grayson of first-degree murder, which has a harsher sentence of 45 years to life.
Grayson's sentencing could include up to 20 years in prison or probation.
Sonya Massey's death has sparked discussions about police actions in cases involving Black people in their homes.
The incident led to a change in Illinois law, requiring more transparency about law enforcement candidates' backgrounds.
Grayson claimed he shot Massey out of fear that she would throw hot water at him.
A video from another deputy's body camera was key evidence in the trial.
The trial was moved to Peoria County due to the high publicity in Springfield.
Jonathan Karl, a journalist from ABC News, has written a new book that looks at the events during the 2024 U.S. presidential campaign. The book covers how one political party lost the presidency while another regained control, with a focus on President Donald Trump's actions.
Key Facts
Jonathan Karl is ABC News' chief Washington correspondent.
He wrote a book titled "Retribution: Donald Trump and the Campaign That Changed America."
The book explores the 2024 U.S. presidential campaign.
It discusses how the presidential race led to a change in which party controls the White House.
President Donald Trump returned to power in the 2024 election.
The book includes behind-the-scenes details of the campaign.
Democratic congressional candidate Kat Abughazaleh has been charged by the Justice Department for allegedly blocking an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) vehicle during a protest in Chicago. The charges are connected to actions that include allegedly damaging the vehicle. Abughazaleh and others face accusations of interfering with federal officers.
Key Facts
Kat Abughazaleh is a Democratic candidate running for Congress.
She, along with five others, has been charged by the Justice Department.
The charges involve hindering an ICE operation during a protest in Chicago.
The indictment alleges they blocked an ICE vehicle and damaged it.
Damage included scratching the vehicle and breaking a mirror and windshield wiper.
Charges include conspiracy to impede a federal officer, potentially leading to six years in prison.
A video from the protest shows Abughazaleh being thrown to the ground by an ICE officer.
Abughazaleh described the charges as a political attempt to silence opposition to the Trump administration's immigration policies.
Dr. Mehmet Oz, head of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, questioned the legitimacy of Affordable Care Act (ACA) coverage for many Americans, noting that many enrolled do not file claims. The issue of subsidies under the ACA is part of ongoing talks in Congress during a government shutdown.
Key Facts
Dr. Mehmet Oz is the Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
Dr. Oz claimed "half" of the people in ACA insurance plans did not file claims last year.
More than 24 million Americans use ACA for health insurance.
The extension of ACA subsidies is a point of debate in Congress amid a government shutdown.
Dr. Oz suggested that ACA subsidies from the COVID-19 pandemic should end.
Democrats want the tax credits to continue, while Republicans want more negotiation.
A Detroit police officer appeared in a Zoom court hearing without wearing pants, wearing only boxers and a uniform shirt. The Detroit Police Department stated that this does not reflect the professionalism expected from their officers. The incident will be addressed by the department to maintain public trust.
Key Facts
A man claiming to be a Detroit police officer appeared in court via Zoom without pants.
The officer identified himself as Matthew Jackson from the Detroit Police Department.
He was attending a hearing for reckless driving and public intoxication.
Detroit Police Chief Todd Bettison stated that officers must act professionally in court.
The 36th District Court allows casual business attire but prohibits shorts and similar attire.
Judge Sean Perkins was surprised by the officer’s lack of pants during the hearing.
The Detroit Police Department plans to address the situation to uphold public confidence.
The 7th Circuit Court of Appeals blocked a judge’s order that required Greg Bovino, a senior U.S. Border Patrol official, to check in daily regarding an immigration enforcement campaign in Chicago. This campaign resulted in more than 1,800 arrests and raised concerns about excessive force.
Key Facts
The 7th Circuit Court of Appeals made the decision on Wednesday.
Judge Sarah Ellis originally ordered daily check-ins for the Border Patrol official.
Greg Bovino is a senior official in the U.S. Border Patrol.
The order was about a campaign in Chicago focusing on immigration enforcement.
The campaign led to over 1,800 arrests.
There are allegations that the campaign involved excessive force.
Newsweek requested comments from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Louisiana has decided to use state funds to help people get food assistance because of a government shutdown. This decision is in response to a potential stop in federal aid for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) beneficiaries. Louisiana joins over a dozen other states that have also taken measures to help residents who need food.
Key Facts
Louisiana approved a plan to use up to $150 million in state funds to aid SNAP beneficiaries.
The government shutdown threatens food aid for about 40 million Americans, including 730,000 residents in Louisiana.
Louisiana plans to give priority assistance to the elderly, disabled, and children.
In total, at least 17 states and Washington D.C. have taken steps to support their residents.
A group from 25 states and Washington D.C. filed a lawsuit asking President Trump's administration to fund SNAP through a backup fund.
Approximately 1 in 8 people in the U.S. rely on SNAP benefits.
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) is also at risk due to the shutdown.
A volunteer firefighter in Pine Haven, Wyoming, finds personal satisfaction in helping his community. Volunteer firefighters play a crucial role in small towns, especially in the Western U.S. where fires are a growing problem.
Key Facts
The story focuses on a volunteer firefighter in Pine Haven, Wyoming.
Volunteer firefighters are important in rural areas.
These volunteers are crucial in the Western U.S. due to increasing fires.
Fires have been growing, highlighting the need for more firefighters.
The firefighter in Pine Haven finds reward in helping others.
A new Quinnipiac University poll shows Zohran Mamdani leading in the New York City mayoral race with a 43% support among likely voters. The poll indicates that 6% are undecided, making the outcome uncertain as the election approaches. The poll surveyed 911 likely voters with a 4% margin of error.
Key Facts
Zohran Mamdani leads the poll with 43% of likely voter support.
Andrew Cuomo has 33% support, and Curtis Sliwa has 14%.
6% of likely voters are undecided, and 3% refused to respond.
The poll had a 4% margin of error and surveyed 911 likely voters.
Early voting is underway for the New York City mayoral election.
Support varies by age group: Mamdani is favored by younger voters, while Cuomo gains more support from older voters.
The election could influence policies on issues like affordability and crime.
President Donald Trump has expressed opposition to Mamdani's promises.
Senator Peter Welch is working on a bill in Congress to secure funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) during the government shutdown. The goal is to ensure that people who rely on SNAP still receive their benefits even while the government is not fully operating.
Key Facts
Senator Peter Welch is from Vermont.
He supports a bill to fund SNAP during the government shutdown.
SNAP stands for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, which helps people buy food.
The government is currently experiencing a shutdown, meaning it is partially closed.
The bill aims to ensure that SNAP recipients continue to get benefits despite the shutdown.
The discussion about the bill was featured on NPR's program "All Things Considered."
This issue is important because many people depend on SNAP for their daily meals.
Food banks and state governments are trying to fill in the gaps as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) faces potential cuts because of a government shutdown. Many people might lose their federal food benefits soon.
Key Facts
A government shutdown has put SNAP benefits at risk.
Tens of millions of people rely on these federal food and nutrition benefits.
Food banks are increasing efforts to meet the growing demand.
State governments are collaborating with food banks to provide assistance.
The issue arises as people face the possibility of losing crucial food support.
A fundraising campaign at an elementary school connects raising money for a playground with acts of kindness. The project aims to teach kids the importance of being kind while they contribute to their school's improvement.
Key Facts
The fundraising campaign took place at an elementary school.
Money raised will help build a new playground for the school.
The project links fundraising with performing acts of kindness.
The goal is to teach children why kindness is important.
The campaign provides a dual benefit: raising funds and promoting positive behavior among students.
The Supreme Court asked President Trump's administration and Illinois to provide more information about a case involving the deployment of National Guard troops in Illinois. The court wants clarification on a specific legal term to help determine if the deployment is appropriate. This request follows disagreements between the federal government and local Illinois officials over the use of the National Guard.
Key Facts
The Supreme Court is questioning the use of National Guard troops in Illinois.
The court seeks clarification on the term "regular forces" in a legal context.
President Trump deployed the National Guard to areas like Los Angeles to protect federal facilities.
Illinois and Chicago lawyers argue that deploying the Guard could increase tensions.
The Trump administration claims that crime in targeted cities justifies the deployment.
A temporary court order currently blocks the deployment in Illinois.
The Supreme Court set deadlines for both parties to submit their additional responses in November 2025.
Lower court rulings have mostly supported the president's authority to federalize National Guard troops.
Vice President JD Vance will speak at the University of Mississippi for a Turning Point USA event honoring conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was killed last month. The event is part of a campus tour led by Kirk’s widow, Erika Kirk, and focuses on engaging young conservatives. Admission to the event is free, and it will be broadcast on Fox News and Fox Nation.
Key Facts
Vice President JD Vance will speak at the University of Mississippi on October 29.
The event honors conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was killed last month.
Erika Kirk, Charlie Kirk's widow, leads the event as part of a campus tour.
Admission is free with advance registration, and students get priority entry.
The event will stream live on Fox Nation and broadcast on Fox News.
Erika Kirk is now the president of Turning Point USA.
Over 50,000 new members joined Turning Point USA after Charlie Kirk's death.
Tyler Robinson, 22, has been charged with Charlie Kirk's murder.
House Speaker Mike Johnson decided not to call the House of Representatives back to session to vote on a new government funding bill. He believes it's pointless to pass a bill that the Senate is unlikely to approve before the current funding deadline on November 21. The Senate has not passed the House's existing funding resolution, and Johnson suggests waiting for the Senate to act first.
Key Facts
House Speaker Mike Johnson does not plan to reconvene the House for a new funding vote.
The House hasn't voted on government funding since September 19.
Johnson is willing to let the current funding deadline pass, awaiting Senate action.
The Senate has repeatedly failed to pass the House's continuing resolution (CR).
If a new CR were passed, it would only cover funding for three more weeks, which may not be enough to resolve all budget issues.
Some GOP lawmakers and Democrats criticize Johnson's strategy of keeping the House out of session.
Johnson expressed frustration that media coverage focuses on the House's recess rather than the shutdown's impact.
