Shutdown intensifies as talks stall and blame mounts | JQJO

An intensifying government shutdown is approaching five weeks, with food stamp benefits at risk, airports slowed by staffing shortages, and hundreds of thousands of federal workers unpaid. President Trump left Washington for Florida events and touted a renovated White House bathroom, while blaming Democrats and calling to eliminate the filibuster, a step Senate Republicans reject. The stalemate centers on a short term funding bill: Republicans back current levels; Democrats seek health care money and limits on funding freezes. A judge ordered SNAP payments to continue, but timing is unclear, as polls show more voters fault Republicans and Trump.