Blue 812 News Issue 44 - November 2

Nov 02, 2025

Last Friday, the Trump administration said in a memo that it would not tap contingency funds to keep SNAP payments flowing to states at the start of November. In a memo sent to states last week, USDA said the contingency money is meant to be held in case of natural disasters or other catastrophes, not used to cover for a lapse in government funding. But a group of attorneys general and governors argued in their lawsuit that withholding the contingency funds violates federal spending laws and that the administration should be required to disburse the money, even if it covers only partial payments for the month.

In addition to the halting of SNAP benefits, that November 1st deadline will also see the pausing of some early childhood education programs supported by Head Start, the Health and Human Services program that funds education, health and nutrition services for more than 800,000 children under the age of six, the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, known as WIC, which serves about 7 million low-income mothers and babies, and more!

Once again, your weekly reminder that this government shutdown can be ended by the Republicans in power, literally whenever they want. Even Trump urged Senate Republicans to eliminate the filibuster and end the shutdown. As he Truth-ed out: “It is now time for the Republicans to play their “TRUMP CARD,” and go for what is called the Nuclear Option — Get rid of the Filibuster, and get rid of it, NOW.” They have enough votes to get rid of the filibuster, AKA the only thing that’s allowing Democrats to use their leverage to try to get the administration to extend ACA healthcare subsidies that will expire at the end of the year. Republicans could also just say they won’t make healthcare more expensive for millions of Americans to end the shutdown.

Just hours before the looming deadline, two judges ruled Friday that the federal government must continue funding SNAP during the government shutdown. However, those expecting food assistance on Nov. 1 will still see delays. Both judges gave the administration until Monday to provide an update on how they plan to move forward.

District Court of Massachusetts Judge Indira Talwani ruled Friday that the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s plan to pause a food assistance program for 42 million people was illegal — but gave the Trump administration until Monday to respond to her finding before she decides on a motion to force the benefits be paid despite the ongoing government shutdown.

At nearly the same time Friday, a Rhode Island federal judge, John James McConnell Jr., in a similar case brought by cities and nonprofit groups, ordered USDA to continue payments and granted a request for a temporary restraining order. U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins was noncommittal when asked if the department would comply with an order to resume benefits, according to CNN.

Some states are prepping for this completely avoidable imminent crisis. Glenn Youngkin, the Republican governor of Virginia, declared a state of emergency. In Mike Johnson’s home state of Louisiana, where 18% of the population relies on SNAP, lawmakers are expected to approve using reserve funds to cover the missing federal payments. Illinois is directing $20 million to food banks in the state to help bridge the gap as SNAP funding is set to stop or be delayed. Wes Moore is doing the same—with $10 million—in Maryland. Janet Mills will release 1 million in Maine. Kathy Hochul declared a food emergency and approved $65M to reduce the SNAP benefits cutoff impact in NY. Nothing of the sort in the Hoosier state, where on Wednesday in a 3-2 vote across party lines, the Republican-led State Budget Committee struck down a recommendation to use state dollars to fund a federal SNAP funding gap. According to food security advocates such as Feeding Indiana’s Hungry and the United Way of Central Indiana, Indiana relies on $100 million in SNAP benefits each month–with 600,000 Hoosiers currently relying on the program.

The recommendation, introduced by State Rep. Gregory W. Porter (D-Indianapolis), had called for Gov. Mike Braun and the State Board of Finance to allocate $100 million in contingency funds to the Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA), the state agency that oversees Indiana SNAP. The proposal would have also provided an additional $10 million for Indiana food banks statewide for each month the government doesn’t reopen. Indiana currently holds $2.5 billion in budget surplus for the 2025 fiscal year.

Think people deserve to eat? Tell Congress!

Call Sens Todd Young ((202) 224-5623) & Jim Banks ((202) 224-4814) and personalize this script from Chop Wood, Carry Water:

Hi, I’m a constituent calling from [zip]. My name is ______.

I am disgusted with Republicans in Congress right now. Using SNAP as a bargaining chip to try to score political points against Democrats is appalling. Doing so because you don’t want to help Americans afford healthcare is even worse. Republicans are caving to Trump, abdicating their responsibility to their constituents, and lying to the American people. It’s unconscionable. The Senator needs to stand up to Trump, demand that the USDA release the contingency money to pay for SNAP, vote to permanently extend the ACA tax credits, and start doing his/her job! I don’t take kindly to paying people who are violating their oaths of office.

Then call Rep. Mark Messmer ((202) 225-4636) and do the same thing:

Hi, I’m a constituent calling from [zip]. My name is _______.

I am calling to say that I’m disgusted with House Republicans. They need to get back to DC and do their jobs. House Democrats are in DC working and not taking a paycheck—meanwhile Republicans are being paid for doing NOTHING. It’s outrageous. The Congressmember needs to come back to DC, work with Democrats to pass legislation to keep our healthcare costs down, and tell the USDA to release the contingency money to pay for SNAP. I don’t take kindly to paying people who refuse to show up to work.

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Last week was Halloween, and following a tear gas attack on a costume parade, Illinois governor JB Pritzker requested DHS suspend immigration operations on Halloween, which ICE Barbie Kristi Noem roundly rejected. “No, we’re absolutely not willing to put on pause any work that we will do to keep communities safe,” Noem said in a news conference Thursday, calling Pritzker’s request “shameful.” Guess I forgot how healthy tear gas is for young lungs.

Federal immigration agents have been clashing with local residents as they continued immigration enforcement operations across Chicago on Friday. Chicago alderwoman Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez told ABC7 that she believes agents “decided to come with a vengeance” because of the request. One example occurred in Albany Park, on Chicago’s Northwest Side, where a crowd gathered as agents detained two people, according to ABC7. Video obtained by the station shows one agent saying “that’s assault” after a woman is heard asking them what they are doing. Rodriguez-Sanchez, whose office is nearby, came out to see what happened and at one point, agents were seen pushing the alderwoman.

Also in our neighboring state, a federal grand jury has indicted Illinois progressive House candidate Kat Abughazaleh for allegedly assaulting and conspiring to injure law enforcement during a protest last month at an ICE facility near Chicago.

Abughazaleh and five others were charged with felony offenses for their alleged involvement in a skirmish with law enforcement that later went viral on social media outside of the facility in Broadview, Illinois.

The indictment alleges Abughazaleh conspired with others to impede a law enforcement officer from carrying out his duties on Sept. 26 by surrounding his vehicle and banging “aggressively” to prevent it from moving outside of the Broadview facility’s staging area, and further alleges Abughazaleh hindered the officer when she joined a crowd at the front of the vehicle and “braced her body and hands against the vehicle while remaining directly in the path of the vehicle.”

On Monday, Gov. Braun stood by his promise of “letting legislators decide” by announcing a special session that no one asked for. But a spokesperson for state Senate President Pro Tem Rodric Bray said on Wednesday that the Indiana Senate lacked the votes to pass a new congressional map, casting doubt on the success of the special session. House Speaker Todd Huston announced later on Wednesday that the Republican-led General Assembly no longer plans to meet on Monday, but sometime within the 40-day window allowed by state law. By law, the only requirement is it can’t last for more than 30 session days or 40 calendar days. That clock will begin Nov. 3.

It’s still unclear when exactly lawmakers will return to the Statehouse or how long the special session will last. The last time Indiana redrew its congressional lines in 2021, the process stretched over several months and included statewide public hearings. This time, lawmakers will be under greater pressure to move quickly. Candidate filing for the 2026 primary opens Jan. 7, possibly leaving a narrow window for debate, map approval and potential legal challenges.

Yesterday in Terre Haute, out local senator Greg Goode held a listening session in City Hall. Over 150 constituents filed through to give their opinions to the senator directly, and all were united in opposition of the scheme.

Senator Goode did just listen to speakers, and only gave a short statement as he wrapped up the public comment. “No final decisions will ultimately be made or communicated until there is a bill on the board, which also means I’ll actually get a chance to look at the map”, Goode said. “I haven’t even seen a map, so I think it’s very fair to take these kinds of soundings.” Goode said he plans to hold more sessions like the one Saturday before he makes a final decision.

Nearly 40 people spoke Wednesday night during a special meeting of the Vigo County Council, and all but a few strongly advocated in favor of an oversight board to explore how county government might be able to financially help the school corporation address facilities. A recording of the special meeting can be found on the Vigo County YouTube page.

The three-hour meeting took place in the Terre Haute South Vigo High School auditorium. Those speaking included representatives of business, parents, students, educators and elected officials including Mayor Brandon Sakbun and City Council President Todd Nation.

Only three county council members were present: Dave Thompson, Brenda Wilson and Brad Anderson. Those absent were Steve Ellis, Randy Gentry, Nancy Allsup and Vicki Weger, the same 4 who voted in favor of the ordinance proposing the County Council not vote on any measure involving money for building/remodeling schools or acquiring land to build schools community members vote to approve such a plan.

On Tuesday, at the county council’s sunshine meeting, commissioners will ask the Vigo County Council to approve creation of a Vigo County School Facilities Oversight Board, and it will ask for $100,000 in startup funding from the casino gaming tax account. County council action on that request would take place Nov. 12.

Earlier this year, the Indiana BMV tried to ban trans and gender-expansive Hoosiers from updating the gender marker on their IDs. Thousands spoke out. Hours of powerful, heartbreaking testimony poured in — and not a single person supported the rule. The BMV withdrew it quietly... but now they’ve brought it back.

Denying accurate IDs isn’t bureaucracy — it’s discrimination. It makes people targets for harassment and violence and blocks access to housing, jobs, and safety.

Submit your testimony: bit.ly/bmvtestimony

Pack the room for trans Hoosiers: bit.ly/iygpacktheroom Friday, November 14 | 9–11 AM ET Indiana Government Center North, Indianapolis

The City of Terre Haute is seeking to complete a Trails Planning Project with funding from the Indiana State Department of Health. With this grant, the City will develop a plan to accomplish the goals that YOU, the community, have established for our recreational trails.

Avid trail users and those who have not yet utilized existing trails are encouraged to take the survey to share their insight and ideas. Learn more, view the interactive map and take the survey at https://terrehautetrailsplan.com/

Vigo County is seeking public input to help identify and remove barriers for individuals with disabilities. Share your feedback through this survey by November 7 to support a more accessible community.

Thanksgiving is coming, but food prices aren’t going down. While places like Aldi and Walmart are offering all the ingredients you need for turkey-day dinner for under $40, even a bargain can be too expensive.

Everyone deserves to eat, and no one needs to go hungry. Resources are available here in our community - Hoosiers helping Hoosiers!

Extensive list of Wabash Valley Blessing Boxes - Vigo, Clay, Putnam & Greene counties included (know of one not on the list? fill out this form)

The City of Terre Haute maintains this list of free & low-cost food resources and the Haute.life has this one.

To find more options, Hoosiers can lean on the Community Compass app, which can also be accessed online at www.communitycompass.app/home. Launched in 2020 through a partnership with Indy Hunger Network and the City of Indianapolis, Community Compass allows people to enter their address to find the nearest places for free groceries and meals, as well as locating SNAP stores and WIC clinics.

Though based in Indianapolis, anyone in Indiana can use the app to find food near them. The website also includes resources on how to get discounted rides to grocery stores and help applying for benefits.

Hoosiers who aren’t feeling that pinch may be feeling moved to give. People can donate directly to a food pantry or send contributions to a food bank, which is a larger hub that stores food to give to local programs like pantries.

What’s the best thing to donate to a food bank? Money. People interested in helping food banks can find links to their websites at www.in.gov/fssa/dfr/donate-to-indianas-food-banks/. You can also donate to larger groups like No Kid Hungry, Feeding America, and the United Way

Nasty Women calendar | Indivisible Wabash Valley calendar |HoosiersRise calendar

Tuesday, November 4th at 3pm: Mingle with the Mayor at Grand Traverse Pie Co. At this informal and relaxed gathering, various topics will be covered each month with opportunities to ask questions and voice concerns. Free pie and coffee will be served courtesy of Clinton Gardens.

Tuesday, November 4th at 5pm: Vigo County Council meeting in Annex building Council Room.

Thursday, November 6th at 6pm: Terre Haute City Council meeting at City Hall

Friday, November 7th at 5pm: Kacey Blundell State Senate District 38 Campaign Kickoff. “Come enjoy an evening of community, networking, and celebration as Kacey shares her vision for a stronger future for Indiana.” 5–8 PM at The Red Barn

Tuesday, November 12th: Terre Haute leaf pickup begins. See map and Leaf Vac tracker here. Crews will start in the Orange Zone, beginning on Davis Avenue, and working north. Updates to leaf pickup will be available on the City website and on social media.

Tuesday, November 12th at 5pm: Vigo County Council meeting in Annex building Council Room.

Thursday, November 13th at 6pm: Terre Haute City Council meeting at City Hall

The Senate narrowly voted to end Donald Trump’s emergency order against Brazil, which he used to impose 50 percent tariffs on Brazil. Basically, Trump made up a fake emergency because he was mad about a legal case against former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro — who was convicted of trying to overturn his country’s elections. It’s a largely symbolic vote, but some GOP lawmakers were actually willing to stand up against Trump. Shocking!

House Speaker Mike Johnson said he doesn’t “see the path” for Donald Trump to seek a third term. “It’s been a great run, but I think the president knows, and he and I’ve talked about the constrictions of the Constitution,” Johnson told reporters. I don’t believe anything this guy says… but fingers crossed!

A federal judge in Hawaii ruled that the FDA violated the law by restricting access to abortion medication.

Illinois became the 13th U.S. state to pass a ‘Clean Slate’ law to automatically seal eligible arrest and conviction records. It will open doors to opportunity for 1.74 million people in the state.

A federal judge called the Trump administration’s cuts to school mental health programs “arbitrary and capricious” and ordered funding be reinstated.

A federal judge permanently barred the Trump administration from requiring proof of citizenship on federal voter registration forms, a change dictated in an executive order President Trump signed in March.

In a letter from the editors on Thursday, the Indiana Daily Student has announced it will continue printing through the rest of the school year.

Trump’s time in the White House runs out in:

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