Syria Marks First Anniversary of Assad’s Overthrow Amid Ongoing Challenges 
Vietnam’s November Trade Sees Monthly Decline but Strong Year-on-Year Growth 
Judge Dismisses Charges Against Comey and Letitia James After Ruling on Prosecutor’s Appointment 
U.S. Stocks End Week Higher as Markets Anticipate Fed Rate Cut 
Trump Urges Hall of Fame Induction for Roger Clemens Amid Renewed Debate 
U.S. Backs Bayer in Supreme Court Battle Over Roundup Cancer Lawsuits 
FDA Memo Raises Questions About Possible COVID-19 Vaccine Links to Rare Child Deaths 
Hikvision Challenges FCC Rule Tightening Restrictions on Chinese Telecom Equipment 
Asian Markets Mixed as RBI Cuts Rates and BOJ Signals Possible Hike 
Canada Stocks Steady as Markets Await Fed and BoC Decisions 
Thailand Launches Air Strikes as Border Clashes With Cambodia Intensify 
U.S. Stocks Rise as Cooler Inflation Boosts Hopes for Fed Rate Cut 
Germany’s Economic Recovery Slows as Trade Tensions and Rising Costs Weigh on Growth 
Bolsonaro Blames Medication Mix-Up for Ankle Monitor Tampering as Detention Continues 
Israeli Forces Kill Palestinian Amid Rising West Bank Violence 
European Stocks Rise as Markets Await Key U.S. Inflation Data 
Trump Administration to Secure Equity Stake in Pat Gelsinger’s XLight Startup 
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has ordered states to halt and reverse any actions taken to issue full Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, following a Supreme Court ruling that sided with the Trump administration. The directive, issued late Saturday, warns that states failing to comply risk financial penalties, including the loss of federal administrative funding and liability for overpayments.
The move follows a Friday Supreme Court order that allows the administration to continue withholding $4 billion in federal food aid pending further review by a lower court. SNAP, commonly known as food stamps, supports nearly 42 million low-income Americans and has lapsed for the first time in its 60-year history amid a record 40-day government shutdown.
Prior to the ruling, the USDA had told states it was preparing to comply with a lower court order requiring full SNAP funding. Several states, including Massachusetts and New Jersey, began steps to issue full benefits. However, the USDA’s new guidance declared those actions unauthorized, directing states to issue only partial payments.
Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey condemned the decision, saying the state “will see [the administration] in court” to protect residents from hunger. New Jersey officials also criticized the move, calling it “shameful” and urging a swift resolution to the funding impasse.
The legal battle stems from lawsuits filed by states, cities, and nonprofit organizations after the administration announced in October that SNAP funding would lapse on November 1. While federal judges initially ordered partial funding from a $5 billion contingency reserve, a Rhode Island judge later mandated full funding. The Justice Department appealed, and the Supreme Court’s latest action allows delays as the First Circuit Court of Appeals reviews the case. Meanwhile, millions of Americans continue to rely on strained food pantries and emergency aid as the dispute drags on.
