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A federal judge in Boston signaled skepticism toward the Trump administration’s claim that SNAP benefits must halt during the nearly monthlong government shutdown, as a ruling could come Thursday to avert a total cutoff for 42 million Americans set to begin Saturday. Judge Indira Talwani said Congress created a USDA emergency fund for precisely such crises, calling it intended to protect the public. Even if the fund is used, officials warn its $5.5 billion falls short of the $9 billion needed for November, meaning delayed and reduced payments remain likely.

Prepared by Lauren Mitchell and reviewed by editorial team.