The ongoing government shutdown has caused significant disruptions to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), leaving millions of recipients without access to their food benefits. Due to the shutdown, people like Gia Haley and Erica Arneson have not received their SNAP payments, forcing them to rely on food banks or skip meals altogether. A federal judge has ordered the Trump administration to distribute SNAP funding in full, but the delay has already caused widespread hardship. Food banks across the country are facing increased demand and are struggling to meet the needs of those affected.
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The Supreme Court hearing regarding the Trump administration’s tariffs was heavily criticized, with six justices expressing strong disapproval of the Justice Department’s defense. Observers noted the court’s apparent frustration with the government’s arguments, suggesting a swift and decisive ruling could have been made. Mark Joseph Stern of Slate highlighted the anticipation surrounding the court’s stance on presidential power, suggesting a dislike of taxes may have influenced their decision.
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For the past year, Democratic leaders held a pessimistic view of the 2026 Senate map, citing a lack of voter connection and a clear strategy. However, the recent election results have shifted this outlook dramatically. The party’s success in various races, including gubernatorial and state legislative elections, has instilled new confidence. Democratic leaders now believe a Senate comeback in 2026 is within reach. This shift in perspective is evident in conversations with party insiders following the recent elections.
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The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has directed airlines to reduce flights at 40 major airports beginning Friday due to air traffic controller shortages caused by the ongoing government shutdown. United, Southwest, and Delta airlines have announced flight cancellations in response to the directive. The flight reductions will start at 4% on Friday and increase to 10% during the hours of 6am to 10pm. Experts predict thousands of flights could be canceled, impacting major airports across the US and potentially causing delays for lawmakers and travelers.
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As the Senate Democratic caucus deliberated on its approach to the government shutdown, progressives delivered a firm warning to centrists: any concessions would be politically damaging. Senator Bernie Sanders, among others, has emphasized the necessity of extending Affordable Care Act subsidies as a condition for any agreement, particularly given the potential for soaring healthcare costs. Republicans, however, have resisted negotiating on ACA subsidies while the shutdown continues, with some suggesting ending the filibuster to bypass Democratic support. Progressive groups have also cited recent election results and polling data to underscore voters’ preference for leaders who prioritize affordable healthcare, solidifying the progressive stance.
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Tesla shareholders overwhelmingly approved Elon Musk’s record-breaking pay package, potentially worth nearly $1 trillion. The deal requires Musk to significantly increase the electric car firm’s market value and meet other targets over a decade to earn hundreds of millions of new shares. While the payout’s scale has faced criticism, the board argued it was necessary to retain Musk’s leadership. After the approval, Musk emphasized future ventures like the Optimus robot, potentially shifting focus from electric vehicles and full-self driving.
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More concerning than lavish parties amidst economic hardship is the reliance of 42 million Americans on SNAP benefits. This reliance stems from the federal minimum wage, stagnant at $7.25 for 16 years, failing to keep pace with rising costs and the economic realities faced by full-time workers. While proposals like the “Raise the Wage Act of 2025” aim to increase the minimum wage, its failure to increase in 16 years sends a powerful message that the government does not prioritize workers, thereby increasing the dependence on federal assistance programs.
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Zohran Mamdani’s progressive campaign, featuring proposals like free public transit, universal childcare, and rent freezes, sparked debate, with critics deeming them unrealistic. However, these policies have precedents abroad, where similar initiatives are commonplace. For instance, the concept of city-run grocery stores and free childcare have been implemented in cities like Istanbul, Berlin, and throughout the Nordic countries. The article illustrates that the contrast in perception stems from the limited welfare state in the US.
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Data from the Ashley Madison website, as well as AdultFriendFinder and Fling.com, links Republican state Rep. Bryan Posthumus to accounts on these platforms, exposing his personal information. The Ashley Madison data includes his name, address, and credit card, while AdultFriendFinder and Fling.com accounts used his email address and listed his birth date, along with sexual interests. Metro Times independently verified the information through multiple cybersecurity databases, despite his attorney’s denial of the allegations and claims of a politically motivated attack. Posthumus, who has built his political career around “traditional family values,” has faced these accusations while also being involved in other controversies.
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Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has announced her retirement at the end of her term in 2027, concluding a 39-year tenure representing San Francisco. Pelosi’s departure marks a significant shift, as she was a highly influential figure who played a critical role in recent political events. The move comes amid calls for older lawmakers to step aside and pave the way for a new generation. Potential successors vying for her seat include Representative Sara Jacobs and Saikat Chakrabarti, signaling a potential shift in Democratic leadership and ideology.
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John Q. Hosedrinker