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SNAP at risk: Virginia declares emergency as federal food funds run low

Virginia declared an emergency after USDA warned SNAP contingency funds could run out, threatening benefits for millions amid the government shutdown and prompting urgent state and local relief measures

Number

$130 million - Anonymous donation accepted to pay U S troops during the federal shutdown

Quote

"I can play dirtier" — President Donald Trump

SPX 6,792 ↑ 0.79% Dow 47,207 ↑ 1.01% Nasdaq 23,205 ↑ 1.15% Gold 4,138 ↓ 0.19% BTC 111,388 ↑ 0.31%

24 Hours

Virginia governor declares emergency - SNAP benefits at risk

Federal shutdown threatens food assistance and state relief plans as benefit programs near exhaustion. States and local food banks mobilize emergency responses while lawmakers debate short term fixes and SNAP funding alternatives.

Pentagon accepts anonymous $130 million gift to pay troops

The Pentagon accepted an unprecedented private gift to cover military pay during the shutdown. Journalists have since identified the donor as a reclusive billionaire tied to Trump circles, raising legal and ethical questions.

Gerald R Ford carrier group ordered to South America - US escalates

The United States has moved major naval assets into the Caribbean as strikes on vessels linked to drug trafficking intensify. Officials frame the deployment as part of an expanded counter‑narco campaign.

Maduro accuses US of fabricating war as carrier nears

Venezuela's president accused the United States of manufacturing a confrontation as U.S. naval forces approach the region. The rhetoric raises the risk of a diplomatic and military clash in Latin America.

US imposes extensive sanctions on Colombian president and family

The U.S. slapped sanctions on Colombia's president and inner circle over alleged narco trade links, marking a sharp escalation in bilateral tensions. Bogota rejects claims and diplomatic fallout looms.

Trump: multinational Gaza stabilization force coming soon

Washington pushes a plan for an international stabilization force to police a fragile Gaza ceasefire as Israeli strikes and militant threats continue. Military and reconstruction strategy faces sharp debate over feasibility and goals.

Trump departs for Asia - summit with Xi on the agenda

President Trump began a multi nation Asia trip focused on trade and diplomacy, including a planned meeting with China’s Xi. He also signaled openness to meeting North Korea’s leader as officials seek leverage on several fronts.

Russian missiles strike Kyiv and other targets - at least four dead

Russian missile and drone barrages killed civilians in Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities, prompting urgent pleas from Kyiv for more Western air defenses. The strikes underscore continuing escalation on the battlefield.

Norway warns Russia points massive Arctic nuclear arsenal at US

Norwegian officials warn of a heavier Russian nuclear posture in the Arctic, with assets reportedly oriented toward the United States. The buildup raises strategic concerns in NATO.

Justice Department to monitor polling sites in California and New Jersey

The Justice Department announced it will send monitors to key jurisdictions in California and New Jersey ahead of hotly contested elections. The move has intensified partisan debate over election oversight.

Letitia James pleads not guilty in federal indictment

New federal charges and courtroom developments have hit New York Attorney General Letitia James. She pleaded not guilty and her legal battles could have political ripple effects.

Legal experts say Trump shutdown funding workarounds are on shaky ground

Experts and lawyers question legality of creative funding moves during the shutdown as the administration shifts money to cover essential costs. Ethical and constitutional concerns about private donations and reallocated funds are mounting.

Trump hopes China will press Russia toward Ukraine peace talks

Trump has signaled he wants China to help push Russia toward peace talks while U.S and Chinese negotiators hold constructive trade talks. Diplomatic outreach to Beijing is central to multiple U.S. foreign policy aims.

Melissa reaches hurricane strength - catastrophic flooding risk

Tropical Storm Melissa has reached hurricane strength and forecasters warn of rapid intensification and catastrophic flooding risks for Jamaica and nearby islands. Emergency preparations and warnings are underway.

FBI arrests 24 and indicts 33 in massive Philadelphia drug sweep

Federal prosecutors unsealed a sweeping indictment targeting a longstanding open air drug market in Philadelphia. The charges mark one of the largest drug trafficking cases in recent memory.

NBA commissioner says gambling arrests are deeply disturbing

A federal gambling and rigged poker probe has ensnared NBA figures and raised questions about league integrity and potential multibillion dollar liabilities. The NBA commissioner said the arrests are deeply disturbing.

Investigators probe brazen Louvre heist as inside job fear grows

Police and investigators examine an audacious daylight heist at the Louvre that stole priceless crown jewels. The museum moved treasures to secure locations as the investigation explores possible inside involvement.

Federal immigration agents deploy tear gas in Chicago neighborhoods

Federal immigration operations have spilled into cities with aggressive tactics, including tear gas deployments in Chicago. Courts and community groups are challenging detentions and methods used by ICE and DHS.

Trump administration readies deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia to Liberia

The Trump administration is moving to deport a Salvadoran national to Liberia as early as Oct 31, a step critics say raises humanitarian and legal concerns. The case is drawing attention to new deportation strategies.

Honduran man killed on highway while fleeing ICE agents

Multiple deaths have occurred in crashes linked to attempts to flee immigration enforcement operations. Authorities are investigating collisions that occurred during interdictions.

Report says White House ballroom plans rushed and flawed

The White House East Wing demolition and planned $300 million ballroom have sparked lawsuits, congressional scrutiny, and partisan backlash. Preservationists and watchdogs are probing contracts and funding sources.

Hundreds of thousands of federal workers miss first full paycheck

Federal civilian workers missed their first full paychecks as the shutdown extended, prompting food pantries and airports to open emergency support for affected workers. The strain highlights widening economic impacts.

Trump demands prosecution of former DOJ officials over past investigations

The president has intensified calls for prosecution of former Biden era officials and issued high profile pardons that critics say reward allies. The moves have prompted debate over rule of law and political retribution.

SpaceX launches 28 Starlink satellites - beats 2024 launch record

Commercial space activity continues with heavy Starlink launches while astronomers study unusual interstellar objects and fast orbiting asteroids that highlight observation blind spots near the Sun.