Federal judges ruled that the Trump administration must utilize emergency funds to partially cover food stamp benefits for millions of Americans in November. The rulings rejected the USDA’s claim that it couldn’t use the contingency fund, which holds billions, to cover benefits amid the government shutdown. While the orders won’t cover all payments, both judges, appointed by former President Barack Obama, also stated that the USDA may tap into a larger fund to pay November SNAP benefits in full. However, millions of recipients will still experience delays in receiving their benefits due to the administrative hurdles involved.
Read More
A federal judge has ruled against President Trump’s request to add a documentary proof of citizenship requirement to the federal voter registration form. U.S. District Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly determined the directive was an unconstitutional violation of the separation of powers, siding with Democratic and civil rights groups. The ruling prevents the U.S. Election Assistance Commission from adding the requirement, which has been attempted by Republicans but faced legal challenges. The lawsuit will continue to address other aspects of Trump’s executive order, including the requirement that all mailed ballots be received by Election Day.
Read More
Following a public admission by Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins that the government has failed Americans, House Speaker Mike Johnson quickly took action. Johnson, seemingly uncomfortable with Rollins’s assessment, swiftly intervened. The specific nature of Johnson’s response to Rollins’s statement remains unreported.
Read More
In a recent interview, actor Harrison Ford strongly criticized former President Donald Trump’s actions regarding climate change, calling his policies “ignorance, hubris, and purposeful subterfuge”. Ford expressed deep concern over Trump’s dismantling of environmental protections and his promotion of fossil fuels, citing these actions as potentially criminal. He also highlighted the increasingly visible consequences of climate change, such as the devastation caused by recent hurricanes and wildfires, attributing these disasters to the planet’s rising temperatures. Despite the challenges, Ford remains hopeful that Trump’s perspective will not prevail, emphasizing the need for global cooperation and innovation to combat climate change.
Read More
The Womanizer Next Duo is a new dual stimulator designed to enhance pleasure during cuffing season. It combines the brand’s 3D Pleasure Air technology with deep G-spot vibrations, aiming to create blended orgasms through simultaneous clitoral and vaginal stimulation. Trials showed that 97% of participants were more likely to experience a blended orgasm with the Next Duo than with other toys, and 91% reported feeling happier and more relaxed afterward. This innovative product can be a valuable tool for sexual wellness and stress relief, making it a potential highlight of the fall and winter seasons.
Read More
A federal judge in Rhode Island blocked the Trump administration from cutting off SNAP benefits for 42 million Americans during the government shutdown. The judge ordered the administration to pay food stamp benefits “as soon as possible” after finding the cutoff to be arbitrary and causing a crisis for those relying on them. The Justice Department argued SNAP no longer existed due to lack of funding, but the judge mandated the use of contingency funds and exploration of other federal resources to sustain the program. This ruling follows a similar case where another judge found the suspension of SNAP benefits likely unlawful, and the Trump administration is expected to appeal the order.
Read More
AP News reports that two federal judges issued nearly simultaneous rulings on Friday mandating the Trump administration continue funding SNAP, the nation’s primary food aid program, using contingency funds during the government shutdown. The judges’ decisions came a day before the USDA planned to halt SNAP payments, impacting the program that serves about 1 in 8 Americans and costs approximately $8 billion monthly. Democratic officials challenged the administration’s plan, arguing it had a legal obligation to keep the program operational, leading the judges to order the use of emergency reserves to maintain benefits and reinstate work requirement waivers, thus safeguarding millions from potential food insecurity.
Read More
A recent Washington Post-ABC News-Ipsos poll indicates that a mere 28% of Americans are in favor of President Trump’s proposed $300 million project to renovate the White House’s East Wing. This plan involves transforming the space into a replica of “Marie Antoinette’s ballroom,” a concept that has faced significant public disapproval. The poll results highlight the considerable backlash against the proposal, which has been analyzed in the context of the ongoing government shutdown. This unpopular plan reveals a stark contrast in priorities amid existing financial pressures.
Read More
Former President Donald Trump is urging Senate Republicans to eliminate the legislative filibuster to end the government shutdown, a move progressives had warned about, citing the potential for Republicans to utilize such a tactic. Trump’s demand echoes Democrats’ past efforts to end the filibuster during the Biden presidency, which were ultimately unsuccessful. Should the filibuster be scrapped, it would allow the Republicans to pass legislation with a simple majority. Trump’s push comes as millions face the loss of federal assistance and the potential for rising health insurance costs.
Read More
The swift demolition of the White House’s East Wing has raised concerns from health advocates and Democratic lawmakers regarding potential asbestos exposure. Built in 1902 and renovated in 1942, the building likely contained asbestos, which poses health risks if inhaled. Despite the White House’s claims of abatement work, no documentation of inspections or specific work details has been released, and photos reveal construction workers and onlookers potentially exposed to dust. Authorities have yet to specify whether or not required precautions were taken to protect the public.
Read More
John Q. Hosedrinker