RT Wall Street Apes (@WallStreetApes)No longer a conspiracy theoryUS Attorney confirms shops are being setup with the sole purpose of exchanging SNAP benefits for cashMultiple fake stores, one as small as 150 square feet cashing out as much as $480,000 in EBT per month$7 million in food stamps turned into cash at 2 locations“Less than 150 square feet in size, smaller than some bathrooms — stores had one register, no carriages, no hand baskets”“One legitimate supermarket in the same area as these stores rede ...

Next week, people in more than 20 states could lose federal funding for SNAP benefits. And it's not because of a government shutdown, but due to a threat from President Trump's agriculture department. The department announced this week it's planning to withhold federal funding for food stamps in Democratic states that have refused to share sensitive personal data about recipients about recipients at the Trump administration's request.As of next week, we have begun and will begin to stop moving federal funds ...

RT Secretary Brooke Rollins (@SecRollins)NO DATA, NO MONEY — it’s that simple.If a state won’t share data on criminal use of SNAP benefits, it won’t get a dollar of federal SNAP administrative funding.Let’s see which states stand for accountability and which are just protecting their bribery schemes. 🤔💸 https://t.co/Y1UXXDOoao ...

National Security & Law Enforcement - Two members of the West Virginia National Guard were critically injured in a targeted shooting near the White House [1][2][3] - The suspect, Ramanula Lakenwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national, is in custody and in grave condition after being shot multiple times [1][44] - The FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force is leading the investigation, considering a potential terrorist motive [7][8][45] - The suspect entered the United States in September 2021 through Operation Allies Welcome, a program for Afghan refugees [9][45] - US Citizenship and Immigration Services has indefinitely stopped processing immigration requests related to Afghan nationals [45] Political & Economic Landscape - 64% of Americans disapprove of Donald Trump's handling of the economy, with 65% saying his policies are increasing grocery prices [19][20] - US consumer confidence slid in November by the most in 7 months due to growing anxiety about the labor market and the economy [20] - The index of consumer sentiment is at its lowest in 40 years, lower than during the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2008 financial crisis, and the 1987 stock market crash [20][21] Healthcare & Social Welfare - 51% of Americans disapprove of Donald Trump's handling of healthcare, and 69% believe healthcare affordability should be a top priority [22] - House Republicans are divided over extending Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) subsidies, with some opposing it [24][25] - Without the extension of Obamacare tax credits, 4 million people could lose their health insurance [30] - The Trump administration abruptly cut $500 million in deliveries from a program that sends US-produced food to food banks [38] - In fiscal year 2023, about 1% (434,000) of SNAP recipients were refugees, and 3% (1.3 million) were other non-citizens, including lawful permanent residents [38]

RT Garage Logic (@GLpodcast)MINNESOTA: Your SNAP benefits have exploded under Gov. Walz. But is this a win... or a warning sign? 📈🍎Since 2018, MN has seen the BIGGEST SNAP expansion in America—up 128% in real dollars (from $661M to $1.5B annually).That's more households (up 11%, beating 36 states) getting higher payouts (avg $429/month, 65% real rise—tops 45 states).Admin costs? Down 2.5% per case (smarter than 39 states). But here's the kicker: This isn't "generosity." It's a red flag for our economy—more ...

Weather and Emergency Response - Los Angeles is under a flood watch due to record-breaking rains, raising concerns about mudslides in fire-damaged areas like the Palisades [1][2] - The city is pre-deploying resources, such as fire engines, to fire-affected areas as a precaution against mudslides [7] - Communication equipment that failed during previous fires has been upgraded [8] Immigration Enforcement - ICE raids are still occurring daily at locations like Home Depot and car washes, targeting Latinos [11] - The intensity of raids has decreased from approximately 10-15 per day to 2-3 per day [13] - There are concerns that immigration enforcement is based on nationality or race, described as "hunting for Latinos" [12] - Immigration enforcement is having a chilling effect on the local economy and could lead to increased homelessness [14] Government Shutdown Impact - The government shutdown impacted Los Angeles, raising concerns about SNAP benefits and the need for extra money in food banks [4] - The shutdown added to the stress and trauma experienced by people in the city [5] Fire Department - Jamie Moore was sworn in as the next fire chief of the Los Angeles Fire Department [5] - A full independent investigation has been ordered into the Palisades fire to ensure accountability and transparency [6]

Government Shutdown Impact - Colorado sent $5 million to food banks due to federal delays during the shutdown [2] - Over 600,000 Colorado residents rely on SNAP benefits [1] - The state is working to ensure SNAP benefits are restored [3][4] Healthcare Costs - Rising healthcare costs are unresolved due to the end of the shutdown [4] - Lack of federal tax credits could increase individual healthcare insurance costs by as much as 200% [6] - Colorado passed a one-year stopgap, potentially limiting the increase to 100% compared to other states [7] - The federal government needs to act on healthcare [5][7] Natural Disasters - Southwestern Colorado experienced severe flooding, causing an estimated $30 million in damage, including $13 million to public infrastructure [7] - The governor requested a major disaster declaration from President Trump [8] - Colorado had a tough year with significant fire season and floods [8] Immigration - ICE is not sharing information with the state about deportations [11][12] - Hundreds or thousands of Colorado residents may have been seized or deported [12] - Deportations are tearing apart communities [12] Politics - The governor supports Ned Lamont for reelection in Connecticut [14]

But joining me now is Kentucky Governor Andy Basher, a Democrat. Governor, welcome and thanks for being our first ever guest on MS Now. So, let's start with the end of the shutdown and its immediate impact on your state.You've said the nearly 600,000 residents who rely on SNAP could see those benefits restored fully as early as today. Are you seeing that happen. Yes, we are.And first, thanks for having me as your first ever guest. And I'm here with good news, at least for Kuckians. Our folks worked through ...

Healthcare & Social Programs - The Congressman highlights a case where an individual's healthcare premium is set to increase drastically from $44 to $2,600 per month, with the deductible rising from $800 to $6,000, emphasizing the moral imperative for healthcare relief [3] - The discussion includes the potential extension of tax credits for healthcare and SNAP benefits, with a focus on negotiating eligibility and seeking compromise [4][6] - The Congressman criticizes the administration's priorities, contrasting $20 billion in currency swap to Argentina with the $9 billion needed to fund SNAP, suggesting a misallocation of resources [6] - The Congressman asserts that the US, with its significant wealth (his district has $18 trillion), should be able to afford SNAP and healthcare tax credits [7] Political Leadership & Accountability - The Congressman calls for a change in Democratic leadership, specifically suggesting Senator Schumer should step down, citing a lack of inspiration, boldness, and connection with the grassroots [7][11] - The Congressman mentions potential future Democratic leaders like Chris Murphy, Cory Booker, and Elizabeth Warren [12] - The Congressman discusses a joint bill with Thomas Massie to release Jeffrey Epstein files, emphasizing accountability for those involved in the abuse of young girls [14][16] - The Congressman hopes to get 40 plus Republicans to join him on the bill [18] Transparency & Investigations - The Congressman supports investigations into individuals named in connection with Jeffrey Epstein, regardless of party affiliation, but prioritizes the release of files for transparency [19][21] - The Congressman expresses concern that calling for an investigation is a tactic to prevent the release of the Epstein files [20]

Government Shutdown Impact - The US federal government is reopening after the longest shutdown in history [1] - Flight reductions remain at 6% for the busiest airports, but are expected to decrease in the coming days [5] - Over 40 million Americans lost access to their full SNAP benefits for part of November [6] - Full restoration of SNAP benefits could take up to a week in some places [8] Financial and Economic Implications - Homeland Security Secretary gave out $10,000 bonuses to TSA employees in Houston [1] - Approximately $35 billion a year of ACA funds are at stake, with potential premium hikes for about 22 million Americans if the funding expires [9] Affordable Care Act (ACA) and Healthcare - Republicans are still opposed to the ACA and are considering alternatives, including expanding funding for health savings accounts and association health plans [10][11] - Republican plans aim to deregulate the insurance market, potentially leading to lower costs for some but higher costs for the sickest and lowest-income individuals [11]