A federal judge in Rhode Island ordered the Trump administration to fully fund November SNAP benefits, blasting its plan to pay only 65 percent and warning of immediate harm, including risks to 16 million children. U.S. District Judge John J. McConnell Jr. gave the administration until Friday to make the payments; officials quickly appealed. Earlier rulings required use of emergency reserves, but the administration argued Congress must appropriate additional money. Plaintiffs said partial payments would leave some families with nothing, as recipients wait for benefits to reach debit cards.

Prepared by Lauren Mitchell and reviewed by editorial team.