China Warns US Arms Sales to Taiwan Could Disrupt Trump’s Planned Visit 
Federal Judge Restores Funding for Gateway Rail Tunnel Project 
Nighttime Shelling Causes Serious Damage in Russia’s Belgorod Region Near Ukraine Border 
Trump Lifts 25% Tariff on Indian Goods in Strategic U.S.–India Trade and Energy Deal 
South Korea Assures U.S. on Trade Deal Commitments Amid Tariff Concerns 
Trump Signs “America First Arms Transfer Strategy” to Prioritize U.S. Weapons Sales 
New York Legalizes Medical Aid in Dying for Terminally Ill Patients 
ICE Blocked From Entering Ecuador Consulate in Minneapolis During Immigration Operation 
Trump Proposes Two-Year Shutdown of Kennedy Center Amid Ongoing Turmoil 
Trump Orders DHS to Avoid Protests in Democratic Cities Unless Federal Assets Are Threatened 
CK Hutchison Launches Arbitration After Panama Court Revokes Canal Port Licences 
Panama Supreme Court Voids CK Hutchison Port Concessions, Raising Geopolitical and Trade Concerns 
Paul Atkins Emphasizes Global Regulatory Cooperation at Fintech Conference 
FDA Targets Hims & Hers Over $49 Weight-Loss Pill, Raising Legal and Safety Concerns 
Trump Family Files $10 Billion Lawsuit Over IRS Tax Disclosure 
Federal Judge Blocks Trump Administration Move to End TPS for Haitian Immigrants 
Trump Administration Expands Global Gag Rule, Restricting U.S. Foreign Aid to Diversity and Gender Programs 
Two federal judges have ruled that President Donald Trump’s administration cannot suspend food assistance for millions of Americans amid the ongoing government shutdown. The rulings, issued in Massachusetts and Rhode Island, require the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to use available contingency funds to continue paying Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, commonly known as food stamps.
The decisions come after lawsuits filed by Democratic-led states, cities, and advocacy groups challenged the administration’s plan to halt SNAP payments starting November 1. U.S. District Judges John McConnell and Indira Talwani, both appointed by former President Barack Obama, determined that the USDA’s refusal to use its $5.25 billion contingency fund was unjustified and would cause “irreparable harm” to millions of low-income Americans.
Judge McConnell emphasized that withholding aid was “arbitrary,” urging the USDA to release emergency funds immediately. He also suggested that if the contingency fund proves insufficient, the agency could explore using other federal reserves estimated at $23 billion. Judge Talwani agreed, stating that the administration misinterpreted the law by claiming it lacked authority to use the contingency funds during the shutdown.
The USDA, however, has maintained that it does not have adequate funding to provide full benefits to the 42 million Americans relying on SNAP, which costs up to $9 billion monthly. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins argued that Democrats’ claims about available funding were misleading, saying the contingency funds require congressional approval before they can be used.
Despite the administration’s legal concerns, both judges ordered the government to find a way to continue distributing benefits. The White House must report its compliance plan by Monday. SNAP provides essential food assistance to Americans earning less than 130% of the federal poverty line, making this ruling crucial for millions struggling with food insecurity.
