Senate takes first step toward ending federal shutdown

Trump pardons, SNAP payout confusion and powerful winter weather

ADVERTISEMENT View in Browser Policy changes, but facts endure. AP delivers accurate, fact-based journalism to keep the world informed in every administration. Support independent reporting today. Donate. By Sarah Naffa November 10, 2025 By Sarah Naffa November 10, 2025 In the news today: The Senate took the first step to end the government shutdown on Sunday; the Trump administration demands states 'undo' full SNAP payouts; and China rolls out its version of the H-1B visa to attract foreign tech workers. Also, some fruitful advice for getting the most from your refrigerator. Sen. Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of N.Y., speaks with reporters at the Capitol Subway on the 36th day of the government shutdown, Wednesday, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mariam Zuhaib) POLITICS Senate takes first step toward ending the government shutdown On Sunday, a group of moderate Democrats agreed to proceed without a guaranteed extension of health care subsidies, angering many in their caucus who say Americans want them to continue the fight. Read more. What to know: In a test vote that is the first in a series of required procedural maneuvers, the Senate voted 60-40 to move toward passing compromise legislation to fund the government and hold a later vote on extending Affordable Care Act tax credits that expire Jan. 1. A group of three former governors — New Hampshire Sens. Jeanne Shaheen and Maggie Hassan and Independent Sen. Angus King of Maine — broke the six-week stalemate on Sunday when they agreed to vote to advance three bipartisan annual spending bills and extend the rest of government funding until late January in exchange for a mid-December vote on extending the health care tax credits. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer of New York voted against moving ahead with the package, along with all but eight of his Democratic colleagues. RELATED COVERAGE ➤ BREAKING: Trump pardons Rudy Giuliani and others who backed efforts to overturn 2020 election, official says   US government shutdown forces some overseas bases to stop paying workers   Top BBC bosses resign after criticism of the broadcaster's editing of a Trump speech   Trump is hosting Syria's al-Sharaa for a first-of-its-kind meeting at the White House   Judge to ponder challenge to West Virginia National Guard deployment in the nation's capital   Man appears to have a seizure as ICE arrests his wife, but officials disagree   South Korean solar firm cuts pay and hours for Georgia workers as US officials detain imports   EU, Latin America and Caribbean nations hold summit overshadowed by US military operation   Climate talks start with call for faster action and more togetherness, but without the US   States are pushing for more scrutiny of antisemitism in schools   JD Vance hopes his Hindu wife converts to Christianity, sparking debate on interfaith marriage   WATCH: Donald Trump is booed as the 1st sitting US president at a regular-season NFL game in nearly a half-century POLITICS Trump administration demands states 'undo' full SNAP payouts as states warn of 'catastrophic impact' President Donald Trump's administration is demanding states "undo" full SNAP benefits paid out under judicial orders in recent days, now that the U.S. Supreme Court has stayed those rulings, marking the latest swing in a seesawing legal battle over the anti-hunger program used by 42 million Americans. Read more. What to know: The demand from the U.S. Department of Agriculture came as more than two dozen states warned of "catastrophic operational disruptions" if the Trump administration does not reimburse them for those SNAP benefits they authorized before the Supreme Court's stay. On Friday night, Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson temporarily paused rulings ordering the full SNAP disbursement while an appeals court considers the administration's request to halt the payments. That led the Department of Agriculture on Saturday to write state SNAP directors to warn them it now considers full payments under the prior orders "unauthorized." Gov. Wes Moore of Maryland said in an interview on CBS on Sunday that "in the past six days, we've received four different measures of guidance" from the Trump administration. "There is a chaos, and it is an intentional chaos, that we are seeing from this administration," Moore said. RELATED COVERAGE ➤ States face uncertainty as Trump administration tries to reverse SNAP food payments US airlines' daily cancellations exceed 2,700 as shutdown impact extends What to know if your travel plans are impacted by the FAA's flight cancellations BUSINESS China creates a new visa, competing with the US in wooing global tech talent China has a new visa program that is creating opportunities for foreign professionals. The K-visa rolled out by Beijing last month is part of China's widening effort to catch up with the U.S. in the race for global talent and cutting edge technology. Read more. Why this matters: The K-visa, similar to the H-1B visa in the United States, targets skilled science and technology workers. Stricter U.S. policies toward foreign students and scholars under Donald Trump, including the raising of fees for the H-1B visa for foreign skilled workers for new applicants, are leading some non-American professionals and students to consider going elsewhere. Recruitment and immigration specialists say foreign workers face various hurdles in China. One is the language barrier. The ruling Communist Party's internet censorship, known as the "Great Firewall," is another drawback.The U.S. still holds a competitive edge, and many jobseekers still are likely to aim for jobs in leading global companies outside China. RELATED COVERAGE ➤ A crisis at Chinese-owned chipmaker Nexperia sent automakers scrambling. Here's what to know US 'no hire' job market leaves unemployed in limbo as threats to economy multiply China's exports fall 1.1% in October, hit by a 25% drop in shipments to the US ADVERTISEMENT IN OTHER NEWS READ Middle East: Israel confirms receiving the remains of a soldier killed in Gaza in 2014 Frigid blast: Meteorologists warn of 'intense' snow in Great Lakes states and record lows in South Rescue effort: A flood inside a coal mine in West Virginia has trapped a coal miner inside Political violence: Mexico to send more troops and money to Michoacan after mayor's killing Striking photos: Typhoon Fung-wong's damage Never too late: At 101, WWII veteran Irving Locker has become a songwriter Today in History: In 1969, the children's educational program "Sesame Street" made its debut WATCH Restoring history: The Parthenon in Athens briefly shed its scaffolding. Here's a look at its restoration Ready for the holiday: Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree arrives in New York City Blasting off: SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launches, carrying Starlink satellites into orbit A CHANGE OF PACE Groceries lay on a kitchen counter before being sorted for storage in the pantry and refrigerator Oct. 25, 2025, in Flagstaff, Ariz. (AP Photo/Cheyanne Mumphrey) The cold truth is you may not know the best way to use a refrigerator Storing food properly can prolong the life of groceries, minimize waste and prevent foodborne illnesses. Experts say refrigeration is key but requires attention to detail. Following simple guidance is especially important during the holiday season, when people buy more and expect meals to last.  Please let us know what you think of this newsletter. You can sign up for more and invite a friend here. For news in real time visit APNews.com. - Sarah Please let us know what you think of this newsletter. You can sign up for more and invite a friend here. For news in real time visit APNews.com. - Sarah SUPPORT THE AP. DONATE. Manage preferences or unsubscribe | Privacy Policy *Advertisers have no control over editorial decisions or content. If you're interested in advertising, contact us here. ADVERTISEMENT