Appeals court orders full SNAP funding; Supreme Court to decide whether 65% cap remains
After the federal shutdown prompted USDA to pause SNAP disbursements and initially push a roughly 65% partial‑payment plan, a coalition of states sued and district judges in Rhode Island and Massachusetts ordered USDA to use contingency and other funds to provide full November benefits. The 1st Circuit upheld the lower‑court order requiring full funding (after a brief Supreme Court stay), leaving some states that already issued full payments in limbo as the Supreme Court prepares to decide whether the administration may enforce the 65% cap.
📌 Key Facts
- A federal funding lapse that began Oct. 1, 2025 forced USDA to tell states to hold November SNAP issuance files and many states (including Minnesota) to stop approving new SNAP applications, triggering urgent warnings about benefit lapses.
- USDA initially said it would not reprogram funds to extend SNAP, then announced it would use roughly $4.65–5.5 billion in contingency funds to provide partial November benefits (about 65% of typical allotments), issuing complex guidance that required states to recode eligibility systems and risked further delays.
- A coalition of states, led by Democratic attorneys general and governors, sued; U.S. district judges in Rhode Island (Chief Judge John J. McConnell Jr.) and Massachusetts (Judge Indira Talwani) found USDA’s pause unlawful and ordered the agency to use contingency and other USDA accounts to maintain SNAP and related waivers, giving the government near-term compliance deadlines.
- After USDA sent Friday guidance that led many states to load full November payments, the administration sought review; Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson temporarily stayed the lower-court order, and USDA/FNS then sent memos telling states to 'immediately undo' full issuances, limit payments to roughly 65% and warning of penalties and frozen reimbursements—creating legal and operational chaos for states that had already paid.
- A federal appeals court subsequently upheld the district-court order requiring full November SNAP funding to resume (effective unless the Supreme Court intervenes), and the U.S. Solicitor General has continued to press the administration’s appeal arguing courts may not reallocate child‑nutrition funds and that Congress must act.
- Logistical realities have compounded the crisis: EBT card reloads and state processing often take 1–2 weeks (or longer), USDA admitted a benefit‑calculation miscalculation and revised tables, and several states (including Minnesota) that issued full benefits say they cannot claw them back if federal reimbursement is later withheld.
- Scale and funding context: SNAP serves roughly 40–42 million Americans and costs about $8–9 billion per month; the immediately available USDA contingency was about $4.65 billion while advocates and judges pointed to an additional ~$23 billion in child‑nutrition accounts as possible coverage.
- The disruption produced immediate human and operational impacts—food banks and pantries reported surges in demand, local governments and United Way campaigns mobilized emergency aid, and officials warned of harms to children, seniors, retailers and school meal programs if reimbursements and benefits remain uncertain.
📰 Source Timeline (71)
Follow how coverage of this story developed over time
November 11, 2025
5:07 AM
The Supreme Court is expected to say whether full SNAP food payments can resume
New information:
- A federal appeals court on Monday said full SNAP funding should resume, with the order set to take effect Tuesday night unless the Supreme Court intervenes again.
- The Supreme Court is expected to rule Tuesday on the administration’s request to keep blocking states from providing full November SNAP benefits.
- The U.S. Senate passed legislation to reopen the government that includes replenishing SNAP funds; the House was called back to consider the deal.
- Solicitor General D. John Sauer argued in a Supreme Court filing that courts should not reallocate resources and that Congress must end the shutdown.
- States are in differing positions: Minnesota, Hawaii and New Jersey issued full benefits; others like Nebraska and West Virginia issued none; some states issued partial benefits.
1:24 AM
Shutdown battle ebbs, but Trump won’t give up trying to withhold full SNAP benefits
New information:
- The 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals late Sunday upheld a Rhode Island district court order requiring USDA to pay full November SNAP benefits.
- On Monday, U.S. Solicitor General D. John Sauer notified the Supreme Court the administration is continuing its appeal and argued courts cannot reallocate child‑nutrition funds to cover a SNAP shortfall.
- U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani (D. Mass.) kept in place a TRO blocking USDA’s Saturday memo instructing states to 'immediately undo' full November issuances and criticized the agency for creating confusion.
November 10, 2025
10:45 PM
The shutdown could end this week. Here’s what that might mean for Minnesotans.
New information:
- Minnesota DCYF confirms full November SNAP was issued Friday but says the state has no mechanism to claw back benefits despite USDA’s Saturday directive.
- State urges eligible residents to apply for SNAP and encourages donations to local food banks while court issues are resolved.
- Senate deal would fully fund SNAP until September 2026, potentially resolving the November benefits uncertainty.
10:40 PM
The SNAP funding back-and-forth, explained
New information:
- Minnesota officials say they will not claw back full November SNAP payments already distributed and note the state has no mechanism to do so.
- Minnesota distributed full November SNAP benefits over the weekend after USDA released funds Friday; recipients confirmed credits were received.
- AG Keith Ellison said Monday that 'the money is flowing' in Minnesota and criticized the administration’s attempts to curb payments.
- Minnesota accelerated some benefit issuance to protect residents amid expected legal whiplash.
12:12 PM
States face uncertainty as Trump administration tries to reverse SNAP food payments
New information:
- AP identifies U.S. District Judge John J. McConnell as the judge who ordered full SNAP funding by Friday, prior to Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson’s temporary stay.
- AP reports Wisconsin’s federal reimbursement was frozen and its SNAP account could be depleted as soon as Monday, risking reimbursements to retailers.
- USDA deputy under secretary Patrick Penn warned states could face penalties if they do not 'immediately undo' steps to issue full November benefits.
- Some governors (e.g., Connecticut’s Ned Lamont) publicly vowed not to claw back benefits already disbursed.
- An appeals court is considering a longer halt to full benefits and Congress is weighing SNAP funding in a shutdown-ending package.
12:52 AM
Minnesota cities, counties fund food aid after SNAP delays
New information:
- Minnesota DCYF began issuing full November SNAP benefits on Friday before USDA told states Saturday that payments were unauthorized following the Supreme Court stay.
- Local impact: food shelves report immediate demand spikes, prompting metro governments to inject local funds.
- Quantified local scale: about 440,000 Minnesotans receive SNAP monthly; one provider (Open Cupboard) reports a 10–15% daily increase and 1,300 first-time users since Oct. 20.
November 09, 2025
11:41 PM
Minnesota says it can't undo SNAP payments despite Trump admin demand
New information:
- Minnesota DCYF says the state cannot claw back SNAP funds once issued and has no mechanism to retrieve benefits from recipients.
- Timeline: Minnesota received a Friday noon USDA memo instructing full November SNAP payments, issued benefits over the weekend, then received a Saturday evening Nov. 8 memo ordering states to undo full issuances.
- Minnesota states the Saturday memo threatens severe financial penalties that would harm residents and says it is evaluating the Nov. 8 directive.
- Minnesota notes its normal SNAP issuance schedule (4th–13th each month) and that some full benefits were already sent over the weekend.
10:02 PM
States told by Trump administration to ‘undo’ full SNAP benefits paid for November
New information:
- USDA FNS issued a Saturday memo directing states to fund only 65% of November SNAP and to 'immediately undo' any steps taken to issue full benefits.
- The memos were signed by Patrick A. Penn, Deputy Under Secretary for Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services.
- Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers and Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek said they would not claw back already authorized full benefits; Kansas had authorized full payments earlier Friday under prior guidance.
- Sequence clarified: a Friday USDA memo told states to issue full benefits consistent with a Thursday ruling, then the Supreme Court’s late‑Friday stay prompted the 65% guidance and 'undo' instruction.
6:04 PM
Trump administration tells states to ‘undo’ full SNAP payouts
New information:
- USDA deputy undersecretary Patrick Penn sent a memo instructing state SNAP directors to immediately 'undo' any steps taken to issue full November benefits, calling such payments 'unauthorized.'
- The memo warned states could face consequences if they do not comply.
- States that loaded full benefits between the lower‑court rulings and the Supreme Court stay are now awaiting federal reimbursement, which USDA/Treasury froze after the stay.
- Example cited: Wisconsin loaded benefits for roughly 700,000 residents and says it could run out of money by Monday without federal reimbursement.
- Leaders from more than two dozen states warned of 'catastrophic operational disruptions' if funds do not flow.
5:33 PM
Trump administration demands states ‘undo’ full SNAP payouts as states warn of ‘catastrophic impact’
New information:
- USDA deputy undersecretary Patrick Penn told state SNAP directors that any full November issuances were "unauthorized" and ordered states to "immediately undo" steps taken to issue full benefits.
- Wisconsin loaded benefits for roughly 700,000 residents but reports the U.S. Treasury froze reimbursements; the state warns it could run out of money by Monday absent federal funding.
- A multistate filing at the 1st Circuit warns states could be asked to return "hundreds of millions of dollars," risking "catastrophic operational disruptions" if reimbursements are not made.
- Gov. Tony Evers’ administration publicly rejected USDA’s demand, saying Wisconsin acted under an active court order and that USDA had indicated it was working to make funds available.
5:27 PM
Trump administration orders states to pause paying full SNAP benefits
New information:
- USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service sent a memo directing states to "immediately undo any steps" to issue full November SNAP payments and instead issue only partial benefits, about 65% of the usual amount.
- The memo warns states that failure to comply could trigger consequences, including cancellation of federal funding that helps cover states’ SNAP administrative costs.
- The directive follows Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson’s late‑Friday temporary stay of a Rhode Island judge’s order requiring USDA to release full November benefits; USDA had earlier indicated it was preparing to comply before the stay.
- Scope reiterated: roughly 42 million people nationwide depend on SNAP, underscoring the local impact in Minnesota and the Twin Cities.
November 08, 2025
11:42 PM
Minnesota restores full SNAP benefits to families in need
New information:
- Minnesota’s Department of Children, Youth and Families began issuing full November SNAP benefits on Friday, with recipients starting to see funds on Saturday.
- The state cites protecting Minnesotans amid uncertainty after the Supreme Court temporarily paused a lower‑court order Friday night.
- Despite the stay, the federal government had already agreed to release benefits and Minnesota (and other states) proceeded with issuance.
- Scale and value: about 440,000 Minnesotans receive SNAP, averaging roughly $6 per day.
2:46 PM
US Supreme Court temporarily blocks November SNAP payments
New information:
- Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson issued the stay, pausing a Rhode Island judge’s order that USDA transfer funds to cover full November SNAP.
- Lower-court order identified: Chief U.S. District Judge John J. McConnell directed USDA to use a $23B child-nutrition fund; about $4B was needed for full November SNAP.
- USDA had sent midday Friday guidance that led states to seek full funding; Wisconsin’s request caused a $20M overdraft on its letter of credit, Kansas made a similar move, and some Californians briefly saw full benefits loaded.
- Solicitor General D. John Sauer argued separation-of-powers: USDA chose partial November SNAP using ~$5B in contingency funds versus ~$9B required for a full month to avoid jeopardizing child-nutrition programs.
- Uncertainty remains over how already-initiated state loads affect individual EBT cards after the stay.
1:56 PM
Government shutdown latest: Senators working through the weekend
New information:
- The U.S. Supreme Court granted the administration’s emergency appeal to temporarily block the lower-court order requiring full November SNAP payments.
- As a result, November SNAP benefits are delayed again despite prior expectations of full funding.
12:34 AM
Minnesotans will receive full SNAP benefits for November over the weekend, officials say
New information:
- Minnesota DCYF says it will load full November SNAP and MFIP benefits 'over the weekend,' providing a specific state timeline.
- DCYF confirms USDA is working to implement full benefits in compliance with the court order.
- On‑record statement from DCYF Commissioner Tikki Brown about the shutdown’s impact and the imminent restoration of benefits.
- Local scope reiterated: more than 440,000 Minnesotans (including 180,000 children and 67,000 seniors) depend on these benefits monthly.
November 07, 2025
11:32 PM
Minnesota officials say SNAP benefits will be funded for November
New information:
- Minnesota DCYF confirms it will issue full November SNAP benefits this weekend and include MFIP households
- State says some households will be paid earlier than usual to protect against uncertainty from potential future court orders
- Commissioner Tikki Brown quoted on scope and impacts; reiterates beneficiary counts (440k total; 180k children; 67k seniors)
- Notes additional states (CA, KS, NJ, PA, WI) reporting full issuances underway
11:32 PM
Minnesota officials say SNAP benefits will be funded for November
New information:
- Minnesota DCYF says it will issue full November SNAP allotments this weekend and include MFIP households.
- State notes some households may receive payments earlier than typical to protect against potential future court orders.
- Commissioner Tikki Brown statement on the breadth of impact and urgency.
- Updated scale: more than 440,000 Minnesotans rely on SNAP/MFIP monthly, including 180,000 children and 67,000 seniors.
- Other states (CA, KS, NJ, PA, WI) have confirmed issuing full November payments.
- Local context: St. Paul’s shutdown‑response food drive has collected over 10,000 pounds of food so far.
10:45 PM
Minnesota SNAP recipients to get full November benefits within days, state officials say
New information:
- Minnesota officials say November SNAP benefits could be issued as soon as this weekend.
- State will issue some benefits earlier than usual to protect recipients amid potential future court-order uncertainty, per the Department of Children, Youth and Families.
- Confirms USDA sent a Friday letter saying funds would be available within hours; the letter omits Tuesday's partial‑benefit formula guidance, rendering it moot for now.
- Context: Walz recently redirected $4 million to food shelves, which remain strained.
9:18 PM
Full November SNAP benefits to be issued by Trump administration despite shutdown
New information:
- USDA Food and Nutrition Service told states it will release full November SNAP funding on Friday, Nov. 7, complying with a federal court order.
- Deputy Under Secretary Patrick A. Penn signed the FNS letter instructing states to transmit full issuance files to EBT processors.
- The administration abandoned its appeal filed after Judge John J. McConnell Jr.’s order and is reversing prior guidance that declined to use contingency and other USDA accounts.
5:58 PM
SNAP latest: Trump appeals judge's order to distribute food funds
New information:
- Identifies the judge as U.S. District Judge John J. McConnell Jr. in Rhode Island and notes his Thursday order requiring full November SNAP payments by Friday.
- Details the administration’s plan to issue only 65% of the maximum SNAP benefit absent the order.
- Cites the government’s reliance on a $4.65 billion contingency fund and its request that the appeals court bar orders requiring spending beyond that amount.
- Provides a direct quote from Judge McConnell criticizing the failure to consider harms from partial funding and delays.
- Notes Wisconsin reported some recipients already received full November payments overnight, with confirmation from the governor’s spokesperson.
- Frames scale: roughly 1 in 8 Americans rely on SNAP; mentions near‑$300 max for individuals and near‑$1,000 for a family of four.
3:44 PM
Trump administration seeks to halt SNAP food aid payments after a court order
New information:
- The Trump administration asked a federal appeals court on Nov. 7 to suspend orders requiring full November SNAP payments, arguing separation‑of‑powers violations.
- Wisconsin officials said some recipients received full November SNAP benefits overnight Thursday.
- Michigan DHHS outlined distribution timing once federal funds are received, including expedited payments for those with 3rd/5th/7th cycle dates.
- The administration previously planned to fund only about 65% of maximum benefits in November and now argues it cannot spend beyond the contingency fund without Congress.
November 06, 2025
9:20 PM
Trump must fully fund SNAP benefits in November, federal judge orders
New information:
- Rhode Island U.S. District Judge John J. McConnell Jr. ordered the administration to fully fund November SNAP benefits by Friday.
- Court directed the government to use contingency/emergency funds to backfill benefits; the administration cited $4.65 billion available.
- Judge ordered that all previously granted SNAP work‑requirement waivers continue during the shutdown.
- A parallel Massachusetts ruling (Judge Indira Talwani) likewise held USDA must pay SNAP and clarified contingency funds must be used.
7:18 PM
Government says SNAP benefit cuts won’t be as deep as announced for some families
New information:
- USDA’s late‑Wednesday court filing details the reduction formula: households at the maximum benefit see a 35% cut, and all households of the same size see the same dollar reduction.
- Concrete examples of November reductions: about $275 less for a family of three and about $105 less for a single‑person household; 1–2 person households have a $16 minimum benefit.
- Some beneficiaries may receive no November SNAP benefits under the formula; USDA has no funding plan for December if the shutdown persists.
- State timing example: EBT cards could load as soon as Friday in Louisiana, with most states taking longer.
6:05 PM
USDA revises SNAP benefit amounts during shutdown after admitting miscalculation
New information:
- USDA acknowledged a miscalculation in its initial state guidance and filed revised benefit tables that reduce the maximum November SNAP benefit by about 35% (roughly two‑thirds of the usual benefit), not ~50%.
- The revision is intended to ensure the full $4.65 billion SNAP contingency fund ordered by the court is used; the earlier table would have spent only about $3 billion, leaving ~$1.5 billion unspent.
- The error was flagged in a filing citing an analysis by CBPP’s Sharon Parrott; USDA says it independently discovered and corrected the error and issued new guidance.
- Parties are scheduled to argue before U.S. District Chief Judge John J. McConnell Jr. on Thursday afternoon.
12:00 PM
Minnesota SNAP recipients worry about feeding their families as shutdown pauses benefits
New information:
- Minnesota Department of Children, Youth and Families says it has no timeline for when partial SNAP benefits will be paid.
- Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said executing partial SNAP payments could take 'several weeks.'
- Neighborhood House’s Montreal Ave. food shelf in St. Paul turned families away for the first time since opening in June 2024 due to insufficient food supply.
- On-the-ground reporting shows significantly elevated demand at St. Paul food shelves as SNAP funds lapse.
November 05, 2025
3:26 AM
SNAP benefits delayed with new eligibility rules that may take weeks to implement in Minnesota
New information:
- USDA told states it will use roughly $5B in contingency funds to provide only partial SNAP benefits in November and, per a USDA memo, cut allotments by 50% (with an additional 30% reduction for households with a working member).
- Minnesota DCYF Commissioner Tikki Brown said there is no timeline for payments because new USDA procedures require the state to recode its eligibility system, a process that may take weeks.
- A vendor serving 40 states is rejecting some October SNAP applications due to unclear federal guidance and reimbursement concerns, meaning some Minnesotans who applied in October may find no benefits loaded on their cards.
- Minnesota officials warn thousands could arrive at grocery stores expecting benefits that are not available, despite earlier assurances that October applications would be covered.
12:09 AM
SNAP benefits in MN: November payments will delayed and cut 50% or more
New information:
- Minnesota DCYF says November SNAP benefits will be cut by at least 50% statewide, with an additional income-based reduction required by USDA guidance.
- State warns benefits will be delayed while Minnesota recodes its eligibility system to apply the new income-based reduction; DCYF is asking USDA to reconsider and allow a simpler uniform cut.
- Pre–income-based amounts were provided (e.g., 1 person $149; 2 people $273; 3 people $392; 4 people $497; 5 people $591; 6 people $710; 7 people $785; 8 people $894; +$109 per additional person).
- Commissioner Tikki Brown criticized the complexity of USDA’s directive; Minnesota has not received new USDA guidance in response to President Trump’s post claiming benefits won’t be paid.
November 04, 2025
7:41 PM
A defiant Trump vows no SNAP payments until Democrats cave on shutdown
New information:
- Trump posted that SNAP 'will be given only when the Radical Left Democrats open up government,' appearing to contradict prior USDA court filings about partial November payments.
- White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt later said the administration is complying with the court order and Trump was referring to future use of contingency funds.
- Plaintiffs (led by the Rhode Island State Council of Churches) filed a motion asking the court to compel full benefits, arguing USDA could legally use a $23B child‑nutrition account.
- Judge John J. McConnell Jr. ordered the government to respond and set a hearing for Thursday afternoon.
- USDA said recalculating partial benefits could take months, missing the court’s Wednesday deadline for partial payments.
November 03, 2025
11:51 PM
SNAP crisis in Minnesota: What families could face next
New information:
- USDA faces a Wednesday deadline this week to issue partial November SNAP payments.
- FOX 9 reports payments will be partial and could run out again later in the month absent further action.
- Local impact details: Second Harvest Heartland is delivering emergency food boxes and ordering more supplies; Catholic Charities in St. Cloud underscores the immediate hardship of even short delays.
- Coverage tied to a Minnesota roundtable organized by Rep. Betty McCollum and AG Keith Ellison; on‑the‑ground reporting from a Minnetonka food shelf.
7:43 PM
Trump administration will provide partial SNAP benefits following court orders
New information:
- USDA told a federal court it will use $4.65 billion (not ~$5.5B) in contingency funds to provide partial November SNAP benefits.
- USDA will not transfer money from other child nutrition programs (e.g., school meals) to cover full benefits, citing "unacceptable risk."
- A Rhode Island judge ordered USDA to make at least partial payments; a Massachusetts judge required USDA to report plans by Monday.
- USDA said it would provide states with tables to calculate partial benefits by the end of Monday.
- Minnesota AG Keith Ellison co-led a 24-state (plus D.C.) lawsuit; he and Rep. Betty McCollum criticized the administration in a St. Paul news conference.
- Minnesota averages about 440,000 SNAP recipients monthly, including roughly 180,000 children.
7:24 PM
Trump administration to pay partial November SNAP benefits by Wednesday
New information:
- USDA told the court it will use the ~$5.5 billion SNAP contingency fund to pay partial November benefits by the end of Wednesday.
- USDA said it is generating the state-by-state benefit calculation table to authorize states to begin disbursements once issued.
- A full month of SNAP benefits costs about $9 billion, confirming the contingency fund cannot cover the entire month.
7:24 PM
Trump administration to pay about half of November SNAP benefits amid shutdown
New information:
- Identifies U.S. District Chief Judge John J. McConnell Jr. as the judge who ordered the government to pay at least part of SNAP benefits by Wednesday.
- Details the judge’s two options to the administration: partial benefits via the $4.65B contingency fund by Wednesday or full-month benefits by Monday by tapping other reserves (e.g., child nutrition).
- USDA chose the contingency-fund route and said it would generate state benefit tables on Monday to authorize states to begin disbursements.
- USDA deputy under secretary Patrick A. Penn warned the administrative process could delay payments 'anywhere from a few weeks to up to several months' in some states due to system constraints.
- Includes on-record criticism from Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer calling partial benefits insufficient and unlawful.
3:11 PM
Trump administration must restart SNAP benefits by Wednesday, judge rules
New information:
- Chief Judge John J. McConnell Jr. issued a written TRO stating there is "no question" USDA must use SNAP contingency funds during the shutdown.
- Sets two compliance paths: fund full November benefits (~$9B) by end of Monday or pay out the entire $6B contingency by Wednesday.
- Suggests USDA tap $23B in a state child nutrition fund to cover the gap if choosing full benefits.
- Orders the government to update the court by noon Monday on compliance.
- Notes plaintiffs are likely to succeed on the merits; quotes Trump’s post and acknowledges his stated willingness to fund SNAP if given legal direction.
- Mentions a separate Boston case finding USDA’s pause illegal, with the administration given until Monday to respond before further action.
11:36 AM
SNAP benefits latest: Emergency funding uncertain as shutdown continues
New information:
- Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the administration is awaiting court direction on SNAP funding during the shutdown.
- Article says the administration reversed an earlier plan to use USDA’s $5B contingency fund and notes Democrats argue a separate ~$23B fund could be tapped.
- Restates card-loading logistics: even with funding, EBT benefits could be delayed by a week or more.
5:09 AM
Trump administration faces a deadline to tell judges whether it will use contingency funds for SNAP
New information:
- Rhode Island Judge John J. McConnell said all previously granted SNAP work-requirement waivers must continue to be honored during the shutdown.
- Article notes USDA terminated existing waivers during the shutdown, which the court order counters.
- Confirms both judges gave the administration leeway to fund SNAP partially or in full for November, with formal updates due Monday.
- Details SNAP financing options: USDA’s $5B contingency fund and an additional cited ~$23B fund that Democratic officials argue could be used.
- Clarifies operational impact: November benefits will be delayed regardless because card loads take up to a week in many states.
- Restates scope and scale: SNAP serves about 1 in 8 Americans and costs roughly $8B per month.
5:09 AM
The Trump administration faces a Monday deadline to tell judges if it will fully fund SNAP
New information:
- Judge John J. McConnell’s Saturday order sets execution deadlines: if full payments are made, they must be issued by end of day Monday; if partial payments, by Wednesday.
- Trump said on social media he directed government lawyers to prepare SNAP payments, though the administration has not committed to full vs. partial benefits.
- AP notes USDA had terminated existing work-requirement waivers during the shutdown; McConnell’s order requires all prior waivers to continue being honored.
- Even if approved, November SNAP disbursements will be delayed because EBT card loading can take up to two weeks in some states.
November 02, 2025
8:35 PM
United Way launches relief campaign as federal shutdown pressures Minnesota food shelves
New information:
- Local translation of the federal ruling: Minnesota agencies expect only partial November SNAP benefits with unclear timing pending USDA’s Monday report.
- Twin Cities-specific mobilization: United Way emergency campaign and expanded food shelf operations to bridge potential benefit gaps.
October 31, 2025
7:24 PM
Trump administration blocked from cutting off SNAP benefits as two judges issue orders
New information:
- Massachusetts Judge Indira Talwani ruled USDA’s plan to pause SNAP illegal, finding the agency must use the contingency reserve and other previously appropriated funds.
- Talwani ordered the administration to say by Monday whether it will provide at least partial November benefits while she considers the motion.
- Rhode Island Judge John James McConnell Jr. granted a temporary restraining order requiring USDA to continue SNAP payments, citing arbitrary and capricious action and violation of federal spending laws.
- Minnesota is among 25 states plus D.C. that sued; the rulings come one day before the planned November SNAP cutoff during the shutdown.
3:58 PM
Judges could rule on the fate of SNAP food aid as deadline nears for shutdown to end payments
New information:
- At Thursday’s Boston hearing, U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani expressed skepticism about halting SNAP and said agencies should find an 'equitable' way to reduce benefits if funds are short.
- Talwani indicated she may require the government to use emergency funds and that any order would apply nationwide; a ruling could come as soon as Friday.
- Government lawyers argued a ~$5B contingency fund cannot legally be used to maintain SNAP; states pointed to an additional ~$23B in another account.
- A second, similar lawsuit from cities and nonprofits is set for a Friday hearing before a Rhode Island‑based federal judge.
- Even if benefits are restored, EBT reloads could be delayed 1–2 weeks into November due to processing timelines.
- Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said contingency funds would not last long and blamed Senate Democrats for a failed congressional effort to continue SNAP during the shutdown.
11:50 AM
Minnesota’s federal workers plead for resolution of government shutdown
New information:
- Minnesota AG Keith Ellison testified that a federal judge is expected to rule soon in the 25-state SNAP lawsuit.
- Minnesota Management and Budget estimates WIC funds in Minnesota will last only through the third week of November; Minnesota receives roughly $9 million per month for WIC.
- State officials testified that USDA removed its shutdown contingency plan from its website, complicating state communications and planning.
2:53 AM
Food banks, meal kitchens brace for impact as food benefits set to stop
New information:
- Local providers report an immediate uptick in demand: Catholic Charities Twin Cities now serves 1,000+ meals daily, several hundred above usual.
- Catholic Charities warns it may cap daily meal service for the first time in a long time if need continues to rise.
- The Food Group’s executive director estimates Minnesota’s November SNAP benefits at roughly $70 million and says private aid cannot fill that gap in one month.
- Article notes the presiding federal judge indicated she would rule later Thursday on whether to force the administration to use reserve funds.
- Contextualizes scale in Minnesota: more than 400,000 Minnesotans could lose food benefits Nov. 1 absent federal action.
October 30, 2025
5:29 PM
SNAP benefits ending: What Minnesotans need to know
New information:
- FOX 9 reports SNAP stopped approving new applications earlier this month until the shutdown ends.
- Minnesota participation cited as 451,966 people (7.8% of population) as of May 2025, with national/state comparisons.
- Local impact examples: Open Door Pantry in Eagan expects up to 500 additional families; about 300 food shelves statewide are bracing for increased demand.
- Context figure: Minnesota typically receives about $70 million in federal food assistance when the government is funded.
4:53 PM
SNAP deadline: More than 450K Minnesotans could lose benefits on Nov. 1
New information:
- Minnesota-specific caseload: 451,966 SNAP participants as of May 2025 (7.8% of state population), with about half being seniors and children.
- Reiterates the Nov. 1 deadline when November SNAP benefits would not load if the shutdown continues.
- Notes local response: food shelves urge donations; some Minnesota restaurants offering free meals; and authorities warn of scam texts promising $1,000 'emergency relief.'
1:55 PM
Judge to consider demand to force the government to keep funding SNAP food aid despite the shutdown
New information:
- A federal hearing before U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani in Boston is set for Oct. 30 on a motion to force continued SNAP funding despite the shutdown.
- USDA plans to freeze SNAP payments on Nov. 1, and plaintiffs now number 25 states plus D.C., arguing USDA must use a $5B contingency fund and can tap another ~$23B fund.
- SNAP costs roughly $8B per month; if ordered, EBT card reloading could take 1–2 weeks after a ruling.
- Plaintiffs detail harms to schoolchildren and more than 100,000 retailers, noting added risks around Thanksgiving inventories.
- USDA’s stance reverses a pre-shutdown plan that would have used contingency funds to keep SNAP running.
October 29, 2025
9:33 PM
How the federal shutdown will affect food stamps, heating assistance and more in Minnesota
New information:
- Minnesota would have received $73 million in November SNAP benefits for more than 440,000 residents; those benefits will not load starting Nov. 1 if the shutdown continues.
- Minnesota WIC recently received additional funds but they will run out by mid‑November; WIC serves about 100,000 people and roughly 40% of newborns in the state.
- Shutdown impacts extend to LIHEAP (home heating assistance) and Head Start, which are also set to begin running out of money around Nov. 1.
- Minnesota AG Keith Ellison joined 22 other AGs suing USDA to access an estimated $5 billion contingency fund the department has declined to use.
8:14 PM
Food aid at risk of expiring as effort to fund SNAP benefits fails in Senate
New information:
- Senate GOP leaders blocked Democrats’ effort to fast-track a stand‑alone bill to continue SNAP, insisting on an all‑or‑nothing government funding bill.
- USDA has posted that SNAP benefits will end Friday, stating 'the well has run dry.'
- House Speaker Mike Johnson reiterated he will not reconvene the House until the Senate passes the GOP short‑term funding bill, which has failed 13 times in the Senate.
- Shutdown has reached day 29; federal workers and military face missed paychecks, and programs like WIC and some Head Start sites are also at risk.
4:37 PM
SNAP funding ending during government shutdown: How you can help
New information:
- Quantifies Minnesota’s SNAP caseload at about 440,000 recipients, with more than half being children and seniors.
- Notes the coalition includes 22 state attorneys general, including Minnesota AG Keith Ellison, seeking use of contingency funds for November SNAP.
- Local impact detail: The Open Door Pantry (Eagan) is preparing for up to 500 additional families if SNAP lapses and already saw a surge of donations over the weekend.
October 28, 2025
6:03 PM
Democratic AGs, governors sue Trump over SNAP benefits as shutdown hits day 28
New information:
- A coalition of Democratic attorneys general and governors filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration on Oct. 28, 2025, over SNAP benefits during the shutdown.
- The suit seeks court intervention to prevent a cutoff and ensure November SNAP benefits are processed and funded.
- The filing comes on day 28 of the federal shutdown, escalating state-level efforts to protect benefits.
October 27, 2025
9:59 PM
Federal food benefits and preschool aid to run dry starting Saturday if shutdown continues
New information:
- Adds a clear local timeline that federal food benefits will "run dry starting Saturday" if the shutdown continues (i.e., Nov. 1).
- Expands scope beyond SNAP by flagging that preschool aid is also at risk, not just food benefits.
- Provides localized framing for Twin Cities families and providers on when impacts would begin.
October 24, 2025
10:37 PM
USDA won’t shuffle funds to extend SNAP during shutdown, in about-face from earlier plan
New information:
- USDA has decided it will not reprogram or 'shuffle' funds to extend SNAP during the federal shutdown.
- The move marks an about-face from an earlier plan under consideration to keep benefits flowing.
- This decision reinforces that November SNAP benefits will not be extended absent congressional funding.
October 22, 2025
4:23 PM
What to know about SNAP benefits as government shutdown continues
New information:
- USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins stated on social media that SNAP funding would run out on Nov. 1 if the shutdown continues.
- Reiterates the Oct. 10 USDA letter instructing states not to transmit files needed to load November EBT benefits (aligns with prior reporting but cites the specific date and instruction).
- Notes that some states have stopped approving new SNAP applications during the shutdown (contextualizes Minnesota’s previously reported approvals pause).
October 18, 2025
3:00 PM
Government shutdown: SNAP benefits could run out in November, Rollins says
New information:
- USDA sent Oct. 10 letters instructing state agencies not to transmit certain files needed to load November SNAP benefits onto EBT cards during the shutdown.
- Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins stated on social media that SNAP funding would run out on Nov. 1 if the shutdown persists.
- National context: SNAP serves about 40 million people and costs roughly $8 billion per month, underscoring the scale of any lapse.
October 17, 2025
8:22 PM
SNAP benefits on pace to run out in two weeks if shutdown persists
New information:
- Adds a concrete timeline: Minnesota SNAP benefits are on pace to run out in roughly two weeks if the federal shutdown persists.
- Reinforces that November SNAP issuance cannot proceed under current USDA/FNS directives, clarifying when households would feel the lapse.
- Highlights urgency for counties and recipients as October benefits are exhausted and new approvals remain restricted.
October 15, 2025
11:58 PM
SNAP benefits will run out if government shutdown lasts into November, MN officials say
New information:
- USDA FNS told Minnesota it will not have funding to pay November SNAP benefits if the shutdown continues.
- USDA directed states to hold November SNAP issuance files and delay sending them to EBT vendors until further notice.
- Minnesota’s MAXIS system will block approvals for SNAP and MFIP during the shutdown; counties/tribes can review but not approve new benefits.
- Key dates: Oct. 15—pending SNAP applications processed on/after will not be approved; Oct. 21—state notices to SNAP/MFIP recipients; Oct. 29—MFIP cases processed on/after will not be approved; Nov. 1—active/reinstated SNAP cases processed on/after will not be approved.
- Scope: About 440,000 Minnesotans receive SNAP, per DCYF.
11:51 PM
MN counties won’t OK new food stamp applications as shutdown threatens funds
New information:
- Minnesota county human services offices say they will not approve new SNAP applications due to uncertainty about federal funding during the shutdown.
- The pause affects first-time applicants seeking food assistance; existing October benefits remain funded but future months are uncertain.
- County officials indicate action is precautionary until federal funding assurance is received.
October 13, 2025
9:02 PM
Nutrition program for women, infants and children to stay afloat through end of month
New information:
- Minnesota’s WIC program will continue operating and benefits will remain available through the end of the month despite the federal shutdown.
- State officials indicated uncertainty about funding beyond month‑end absent federal action.
October 08, 2025
2:37 AM
Political expert, pollsters weigh in on health insurance subsidies
New information:
- Kaiser Family Foundation polling showing roughly three-quarters of adults favor extending the enhanced marketplace subsidies, with partisan breakouts (Democrats 90%, independents 80%, Republicans 60%).
- Quoted local academic expert (Hamline University’s David Schultz) framing the subsidies dispute as a central ideological fight and suggesting a limited temporary extension as a possible off-ramp.
- CBO estimate highlighted that around 2 million additional Americans could become uninsured if subsidies lapse (contextualized with the 'more than 23 million' figure).
October 07, 2025
5:26 PM
Government shutdown: When will WIC run out of funds in MN?
New information:
- White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt explicitly warned the WIC program could run out of funds in coming days amid the shutdown.
- Minnesota Department of Health says the state has enough funding to keep WIC services going for 'a few weeks.'
- Program usage figures: Minnesota WIC served more than 100,000 people per month in 2024 and covered nearly 38% of infants born in 2023.
October 02, 2025
10:55 PM
Minnesota farmers first in waves of impact from government shutdown
New information:
- Quantified operational furloughs: USDA furloughing about half its workforce; Farm Services Agency furloughing about 67% of employees; 'nearly everyone' in Rural Development furloughed.
- Local office impact: USDA and related offices in St. Paul are locked/closed, preventing in-person FSA services.
- SNAP/WIC timeline: State budget director Ahna Minge said SNAP and WIC funds appear likely to be available through October but may not be available in November.
- Scale estimate: Report cites roughly 600,000 Minnesotans could have less to eat in about a month if funding lapses; Minnesota has about 18,000 federal workers (mostly VA and USDA).
- First-hand impact example: Farmer Anne Schwagerl described needing FSA co-signatures to deposit grain-sale checks and pay bills, which are unavailable while FSA offices are closed.
6:43 PM
Gov. Walz says he won't 'bend the knee' to Pres. Trump amid funding cuts concerns
New information:
- Direct, colorful quotes from Gov. Tim Walz refusing to "bend the knee," "kiss the ring," or acquiesce to the president.
- Reporting that the Trump administration has cut specific funding including $8 billion in climate funding affecting states such as Minnesota (and $18 billion for a NYC transportation project) as part of pressure tactics during the shutdown.
- Walz’s explicit accusation of "vindictiveness" by the White House and his saying the administration threatened investigations and "jail time" over trivial incidents (quoted language).
5:34 PM
Walz says prolonged government shutdown could disrupt key services in Minnesota
New information:
- Governor Tim Walz publicly warned that a prolonged federal government shutdown could disrupt key services in Minnesota.
- Walz framed the shutdown as a risk to state residents who depend on federally funded services (per Star Tribune report).
- The governor made a public statement urging action to avoid prolonged disruption (reported by the Star Tribune).
October 01, 2025
11:01 PM
Minnesota impact: Government shutdown politics and economics
New information:
- National Park Service closed the Mississippi River Visitor Center in St. Paul as operations went dark due to the shutdown.
- The FOX 9 report cites roughly 750,000 federal employees being furloughed nationally (context for Minnesota impact).
- The story uses the CBO's $11 billion cost for the 2018–19 shutdown and frames that as about $2.2 billion per week, giving an immediate economic scale.
- Direct quotes from Minnesota officials: Rep. Tom Emmer and Sen. Tina Smith, and a quote from Minnesota Farmers Union official Gary Wertish about farm-level impacts.
12:15 PM
Federal shutdown could affect thousands of Minnesota workers
New information:
- Minnesota is home to roughly 20,000 federal employees; the total rises to about 35,000 if military personnel are included.
- Many Minnesota federal workers will be expected to continue working during the shutdown but could face interrupted paychecks.
- The article is Minnesota-focused, providing state-level context and counts not present in the broader national coverage.
4:00 AM
Government shutdown starts: Here's what closes during a shutdown
New information:
- The federal government officially shut down overnight after the funding deadline passed (shutdown now in effect).
- Immediate operational impacts: national parks, monuments and many museums will close; IRS will scale back processing and assistance; some HHS programs and environmental/food inspections will scale back.
- Staffing/benefits details: hundreds of thousands of federal employees are likely to be furloughed (historically up to ~850,000); Social Security and Medicare continue but may experience delays; TSA and military remain working but may not be paid until funding is restored; USPS is not affected as an independent entity.
- Cited sources and context: reporting cites the Office of Management and Budget, the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, and notes a 2019 law requiring furloughed employees eventually receive back pay.
September 30, 2025
11:30 AM
Government Shutdown 2025: What could be affected and when could it start?
New information:
- Republicans are proposing a short-term funding bill through Nov. 21; Democrats seek reversing Medicaid cuts and extending ACA premium tax credits.
- House is not expected to hold any votes this week, dimming chances for a last-minute deal.
- Clarifies which services continue: Social Security and Medicare continue, VA health care and burials proceed, and USPS is unaffected.
- Confirms furloughed federal employees are guaranteed back pay under a 2019 law.
- Details that OMB has threatened potential reduction-in-force notices for programs whose funding expires Oct. 1 and lack alternatives.
September 29, 2025
11:23 PM
‘We’re headed to a shutdown’: White House meeting ends with no deal as deadline nears
New information:
- After a Sept. 29, 2025 White House meeting with congressional leaders, no agreement was reached to avert a federal shutdown.
- Participants signaled pessimism about averting a shutdown, summarized by the post‑meeting quote 'We’re headed to a shutdown.'
- This is the first official readout of the Sept. 29 leaders’ meeting outcome, following earlier scheduling of the meeting.
11:49 AM
Government shutdown draws closer as congressional leaders head to the White House
New information:
- Top congressional leaders are heading to the White House on September 29 for talks with President Trump as a possible shutdown nears.
- The article frames the shutdown risk as escalating immediately ahead of the federal funding deadline.
September 25, 2025
3:29 PM
White House budget office tells agencies to draft mass firing plans ahead of potential shutdown
New information:
- The White House Office of Management and Budget directed federal agencies to draft plans for mass firings ahead of a potential government shutdown.
- The directive represents an executive-branch contingency action beyond congressional negotiations previously reported.
- Reported Sept. 25, 2025, as shutdown risk persists.
September 22, 2025
11:07 PM
Trump to meet with Schumer and Jeffries as government shutdown risk looms
New information:
- President Donald Trump will meet with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries to discuss averting a government shutdown.
- The meeting was announced September 22, 2025, as the shutdown deadline approaches.
September 19, 2025
8:28 PM
Chance of government shutdown rises as US Senate fails to advance spending bill
New information:
- The U.S. Senate failed to advance a spending bill on September 19, 2025.
- This action increases the likelihood of a partial federal government shutdown absent further congressional action.