The USDA warned SNAP benefits will not be issued Nov. 1 as the government shutdown, now the second-longest since Oct. 1, drags on. The Trump administration declined to tap $5 billion in contingency funds, citing a memo that says such money isn’t legally available for regular benefits and must be reserved for disasters like Hurricane Melissa. Democrats seek negotiations tied to extending Affordable Care Act subsidies; Republicans insist the government reopen first. States are bracing: some weigh covering costs despite no federal reimbursement, while Arkansas and Oklahoma urge recipients to seek food pantries. Sen. Chris Murphy pressed for talks.

Prepared by Lauren Mitchell and reviewed by editorial team.