Late Friday, the Supreme Court briefly halted a district judge’s order requiring the Trump administration to release $4 billion to keep SNAP running during the shutdown. The stay, issued by Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, lasts until 48 hours after the 1st Circuit rules. The administration says complying would mean slashing school lunch funds, while states call its partial fixes confusing and chaotic as benefits have lapsed since Nov. 1. Judge John McConnell Jr. accused officials of political delay. Millions of families and children hang in the balance as appellate judges pledge a quick ruling.

Prepared by Lauren Mitchell and reviewed by editorial team.