US Government Shutdown Halts SNAP Benefits

The ongoing U.S. government shutdown, now over 40 days, is severely impacting critical services, including food and health insurance programs like SNAP. Millions face the loss of food assistance benefits, leading states like California to sue the federal government and deploy the National Guard to aid food banks. Democrats in the Senate have enough votes to reopen the government, amid economic losses reportedly reaching billions per day. Meanwhile, political tensions escalate as both parties clash over issues like Obamacare subsidies, with significant public concern over the disruption of essential services and support for vulnerable populations.